Known for its decadent texture, mild flavor, and versatility, cream cheese has become one of our favorite cheeses. Did you know that you can also smoke it? It's easy to do and takes much less time than smoking meat.

Whether you eat it by itself or put it in your next recipe, smoked cream cheese has a place in every kitchen. It has also become something of a viral culinary sensation.

Turn your next fruit-and-cheese platter upside down with this savory treat, or serve it alongside crackers. However you choose to enjoy the creamy snack, you can wow guests with just a few ingredients and time with your Traeger.

Choosing the Right Cream Cheese

Not every cream cheese you see in the store is the same.

The most accessible cream cheese to smoke is the type that comes in a block or square as it's already in a simple form to cut into various thick shapes.

Opt for full-fat products versus a light cream cheese for the best flavor and texture. Avoid cream cheese whipped blends or spreads that come in tubs. These don’t have the same consistency as solid cream cheeses, and may not hold up well under heat.

How to Prepare and Season Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is easiest to work with if it's straight from the refrigerator. Work quickly to avoid it getting too warm and mushy, which makes it hard to cut and season.

When smoking a whole block of cream cheese, you don’t have to cut it. If you have a themed party or event, you could try shaping it or cutting pieces to make hearts, circles, or any shape you desire. Once it's the size and shape you want, you must season it.

Sprinkle your choice of seasoning mix or rub on all sides of the cream cheese block. If the cream cheese came packaged in a foil wrap, keep it on the wrapper as you sprinkle the top and sides. Then, flip it over on a clean sheet of aluminum foil to see the underside.

For an enhanced presentation, score the top surface in a crisscross pattern with a sharp knife after seasoning.

You can also mix the seasoning into the cream cheese for a more uniform flavor. Put the cream cheese in a mixing bowl, add the seasoning or other ingredients, and stir just until blended. Now, you can put it into a square dish to recreate its form, and then refrigerate it until it becomes firm.

Different Seasoning Options

Cream cheese works well with a variety of seasonings and rubs:

• Lemon pepper
• Anything Rub with salt, pepper, garlic, and spices
• Traeger Rub with garlic and chili pepper
• Smoked paprika

You might also like mix-ins such as dried herbs, bacon bits, other shredded cheeses, dried onion flakes, or nuts.

Since it's common to top the cream cheese with some sweet sauce or glaze after smoking, consider flavors that complement your favorite jam or jelly.

Meat Church Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCYo3OJpTwo

Smoked Cream Cheese Log

Another way to smoke and serve cream cheese is in a log form. Most often seen at parties and holiday events, a cheese log is sure to impress the neighborhood and is a great candidate for the Traeger. For this Holiday Smoked Cheese Log, you’ll combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, hot sauce, bacon bits, chopped green onions, and Worcestershire sauce, then roll it in a log shape before chilling.

After the cream cheese has hardened, roll it in a mixture of chopped pecans. Wrap it in food wrap and store it overnight in the freezer. Now, it’s ready to put on the grill.

What Wood Pellets to Use for Smoked Cream Cheese

You can use most wood pellets to smoke cream cheese. It goes with many flavor profiles. A fruity sweet wood may be less overpowering to someone who likes their cheese milder. Pecan or apple are good choices.

However, whatever wood pellets you have on hand will do fine, and some people even prefer the bold smoke you get with mesquite.

Smoking Temperature and Time

To smoke the block of cream cheese, set your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit, and let it preheat for at least 15 minutes. Then, place the cream cheese on a baking rack and set it on the grate. Smoke for 1 to 2 hours, checking continually to ensure it doesn't get overcooked.

A low and slow method for cheese logs will help the cheese thaw and cook evenly. Set the grill temperature to 180 degrees and allow it to preheat for 15 minutes. Then grill for an hour.

Smoked Cream Cheese Doneness

How do you know when the cheese is done? Since you won’t be checking with an internal temperature, visually check to see that it’s cooked long enough. The score marks (if added) will open slightly, and the surface of the cheese will become a golden color.

If the cheese seems too soft to serve, put it in the fridge for an hour or so to help firm it up.

When it's ready, plate the cream cheese by slicing it or allow guests to cut off a portion for themselves. Smoked cream cheese is great with a side of pepper jelly, mint jelly, or another sweet glaze. Bringing the heat is a popular way to go, so look for toppings that are both sweet and spicy.

What to Serve Smoked Cream Cheese With

Think of smoked cream cheese as a fancy dip. It can go with anything. Pairing ideas include:

• A variety of crackers
• Toasted bagels
• Tortilla chips
• Crusty french bread
• Veggies
• As a spread on sandwiches
• Sliced and served on a charcuterie board

You can also use it any way you would use cream cheese in a recipe. Just be sure it’s a savory dish.

• Crab, shrimp, or clam dip
• Stuffed pasta shells
• Spinach pie (spanakopita)
• Stuffed jalapeno poppers
• Creamy chicken enchiladas
• Creamed corn
• Artichoke dip

How to Store Leftover Smoked Cream Cheese

You likely won’t have a lot of leftovers; smoked cream cheese always seems to disappear. If you have too much to eat the day you initially serve it, wrap it up and keep it in the fridge for a few days.

Freezing is not recommended because it changes the texture of the cheese, but if you can’t eat the cheese within a few days, you can store it in the freezer, and then use it in a cooked dish, where the altered texture won’t be noticeable.

The best way to use cream cheese, however, is to repurpose it as a leveled-up ingredient in your next recipe. Anything that calls for cream cheese in a savory way can benefit from this upscale version -- just avoid using it in sweet recipes. While there are some exciting savory cheesecake ideas, smoked cream cheese isn't a good candidate for a sweet cheesecake or the icing on your next red velvet cake.

Smoked Cheese Recipes

As mentioned, there are many ways to enjoy smoked cream cheese. For some additional inspiration, consider these recipes for smoked cream cheese and other smoked cheeses:

You won’t have to smoke the cream cheese ahead of time for this Stuffed Jalapenos recipe that ties together bacon and hot peppers with a creamy filling.

Try something truly unique with these Coconut Shrimp Jalapeno Poppers that offer shredded coconut and a little heat.

Skip the standard macaroni and cheese. This grown-up Smoked Mac & Triple Cheese gives you three types of gooey goodness and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Enjoy your favorite smoked cream cheese alongside a simple Salmon Gravlax at your next Scandinavian-inspired brunch.

If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, you’re still in luck. This Cold Smoked Cheese recipe works with any hard or medium cheese including cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone.