Essential Tools for Smoked Cream Cheese

To get the best results when smoking cream cheese, you need tools that can handle low temperatures and high-moisture environments. Here is the gear I recommend for your next backyard session.

Traeger Pro Series 575 Pellet Grill: Precision temperature control is the most important factor here. The Traeger 575 excels at holding a steady 225°F, ensuring your cream cheese smokes perfectly without turning into a puddle.
Meat Church Holy Gospel BBQ Rub: For the savory version, this rub provides the perfect balance of salt, sugar, and heat. It is a staple in my pantry for everything from brisket to appetizers.
Small Disposable Aluminum Pans: These are a lifesaver for cleanup. They keep the cheese stable on the grates and catch any excess seasoning or drizzles.
Traeger Signature Blend Wood Pellets: This versatile blend of hickory, maple, and cherry hardwoods provides a subtle smoke profile that won’t overpower the delicate flavor of the cheese.

Pitmaster Tip: If you are smoking in the heat, keep your cream cheese in the refrigerator until the very moment it goes on the grill to help maintain those sharp crosshatch lines.

Simply Grilling: Holiday Appetizer Guide

Make your holiday hosting easy with this pellet grill game plan. All three appetizers smoke at the same temperature for maximum efficiency!

Savory & Sweet Smoked Cream Cheese (2 Hours @ 225°F)
Smoked Bourbon BBQ Meatballs (2 Hours @ 225°F)
Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Dates (1 Hour @ 225°F)

Pro-Tip: Use Traeger Signature Blend Pellets for a balanced flavor that complements cheese, pork, and beef simultaneously.

Ingredients

The Base

2 Blocks Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Do not use low-fat; it won't hold its shape as well.

Variation 1: Savory Everything Bagel

1 tbsp Olive Oil: As a binder. 2 tbsp Everything Bagel Seasoning: Or a savory BBQ rub like Meat Church Holy Gospel. Optional Sliced jalapeños or a dollop of pepper jelly for serving.

Variation 2: Sweet Cinnamon Sugar

1 tbsp Melted Butter: As a binder. 2 tbsp Cinnamon Sugar Blend: A 3:1 ratio of sugar to cinnamon. Optional A drizzle of honey or caramel sauce and graham crackers for dipping.

Directions

Preheat Your Grill

Set your pellet grill to 225°F. For cream cheese, you want a "low and slow" environment to maximize smoke absorption.

🔥 225°F

Prep the Cheese

Remove the cream cheese from the foil wrapper and place each block into a small foil pan or on a piece of parchment paper.

Score the Top

Using a sharp knife, score the top of the cream cheese in a crosshatch (diamond) pattern, about 1/4 inch deep. This allows the seasoning and smoke to penetrate deep into the block.

Season

For Savory: Brush with olive oil and generously coat the top and sides with Everything Bagel seasoning or BBQ rub.
For Sweet: Brush with melted butter and coat heavily with the cinnamon sugar mixture.

The Smoke

Place the pans directly on the grill grates. Smoke for 2 hours. You will notice the crosshatch pattern "opening up" and the edges of the cheese becoming slightly golden.

⏱ 2 Hours

Serve

Remove from the grill and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Savory: Top with pepper jelly or fresh jalapeños and serve with crackers or pretzels.
Sweet: Drizzle with honey or caramel and serve with apple slices or graham crackers.

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