Description
This smoked cream cheese recipe is a BBQ game changer — minimal prep, bold smoky flavor, and endless topping options. Ready in just 2 hours, it’s one of the easiest Traeger smoker appetizers for game day, parties, or backyard BBQs. Perfect with crackers, veggies, or even as a spread for smoked meats.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2–3 tablespoons BBQ rub or seasoning blend
- Optional toppings: hot honey, jalapeños, fruit preserves, or everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat smoker or Traeger grill to 225°F.
- Score the top of the cream cheese block with a crosshatch pattern.
- Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with BBQ rub or seasoning.
- Place in a foil pan or cast iron skillet and smoke for 1.5–2 hours, until the outside is caramelized and inside soft.
- Serve warm with crackers, pretzels, veggies, or bread.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture — low-fat may dry out.
- Experiment with wood pellets: applewood for sweetness, hickory for bold smoke.
- Serve immediately for the creamiest texture.
- Leftovers are perfect as a bagel spread or stirred into pasta.
- Always smoke the cheese in a pan — it may melt through grates otherwise.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Appetizers, Smoker Recipes, BBQ Snacks, Easy Recipes
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American, BBQ
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 oz
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Smoked Cream Cheese, Easy Smoker Recipes, Traeger Appetizers, BBQ Snacks, Smoked Cheese Appetizer