Description
This recipe transforms a block of cream cheese into an unforgettable appetizer, offering creamy, smoky, sweet, and spicy notes with a chili jam lacquer and fresh scallions. It is perfect for entertaining or a flavorful weeknight snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 8 oz (226 g) block cream cheese, full-fat
- 0.25 cup (60 ml) chili jam
- 2–3 fresh scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 Tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 tsp (5 g) smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp (2.5 g) garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp (2.5 g) onion powder
- 0.25 tsp (1.5 g) salt
- 0.25 tsp (1.5 g) black pepper
Instructions
- Prep Cream Cheese: Pat the 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese block completely dry with a paper towel. Score the top in a crosshatch pattern, about 0.25 inch deep (do not cut all the way through), to help absorb smoke and seasonings.
- Make Seasoning Rub: In a small bowl, combine the 1 Tbsp (15 ml) olive oil, 1 tsp (5 g) smoked paprika, 0.5 tsp (2.5 g) garlic powder, 0.5 tsp (2.5 g) onion powder, 0.25 tsp (1.5 g) salt, and 0.25 tsp (1.5 g) black pepper. Mix well to form a paste.
- Season Cream Cheese: Generously spread the rub over the top and sides of the cream cheese block, pressing gently to ensure it sticks and coats evenly.
- Smoke Cream Cheese: Preheat your smoker or grill with a smoke box to a steady 225-250°F (107-121°C). Place the seasoned cream cheese directly on the grates of a sheet pan. Smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it is softened, warmed through, and has developed a beautiful golden-brown, smoky hue.
- Glaze With Chili Jam: During the final 15-20 minutes of smoking, gently brush the top of the smoked cream cheese with a generous layer of the 0.25 cup (60 ml) chili jam. Let it warm and lightly caramelize, creating a glossy, sticky finish.
- Garnish And Serve: Carefully remove the smoked cream cheese from the smoker. Transfer to a serving dish, top with the fresh chopped scallions, and serve immediately with your favorite dippers.
Notes
For best results, pat cream cheese very dry before applying rub. Use mild wood chips like apple or pecan to avoid a bitter taste. Avoid opening the smoker lid too often to maintain consistent temperature and smoke. For a faster seasoning, use a pre-made BBQ rub.
- Prep Time: 9 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 oz (42 g)
- Calories: 140 calories
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: smoked cream cheese, appetizer, chili jam, easy, party food, cheesy, savory, sweet and spicy, grill, smoker