Our easy Traeger Smoked Cream Cheese makes the best dip! Eat it warm off the grill or chill it first, or try and little of both if it lasts that long! Use your favorite rub, or pick up some of our favorites while you’re here.
Smoked Cream Cheese
The latest TikTok craze has reached a fever pitch, and I’m so glad that it is not bacon-wrapped Oreos this time. Everywhere I look, people are smoking cream cheese, and you know that I had to get in on this one!
I LOVE appetizers, and easy appetizers are even better. This Smoked Cream Cheese doesn’t get any easier. It is literally just a block of cream cheese, some olive oil, and your favorite rub. Put it on the smoker at 180-200° for a couple of hours and BAM. You have the newest viral recipe on your table, just waiting for you to share it.
Not only will we show you how to make this simple appetizer, but I’ve also got a ton of variations you can make to meet everyone’s specific tastes and preferences. Get more ideas for Smoked Cream Cheese Recipes here!
Love viral recipes? Try our viral TikTok Butter Candle recipe! We also have a great TikTok Feta Pasta recipe as well, or these Traeger Parmesan Cabbage Steaks, Smash Burger Tacos, or this Chopped Italian Sandwich!
Get all of my Easy Traeger Recipes here!
Traeger Smoked Cream Cheese shopping list
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Cream cheese (full fat)
- Olive oil
- Roasted Garlic Rub (or your favorite garlicky bbq rub)
- Shallot (optional)
- Head of garlic (optional)
Get more awesome Appetizer Recipes!
How to make Smoked Cream Cheese
This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.
- Preheat your smoker – 180° is ideal. 200° works too.
- Non-stick foil is your friend – Put it onto a baking sheet and line with non-stick foil. Parchment paper also works pretty well here.
- Brush with olive oil – And make some 1/2 inch cross-hatches in the top of the cream cheese if you’d like.
- Rub – We loved the Roasted Garlic blend from The Spice Guy. It was perfect in this dip!
- Smoke – 2 hours is good. 1 1/2 would work in a pinch. Go for 3 if you are brave. You can serve this warm or cold, mix it into a dip or spread it onto a bagel. Whatever. You can eat it with a spoon if you want. I won’t judge.
Try our Mini Bell Pepper Goat Cheese Poppers too!
Smoked Cream Cheese FAQ
Can you use low-fat cream cheese?
No. It gets clumpy and gross and this is not the time for low-fat anything. Live a little. Or not. But substitute at your own risk.
Is smoked cream cheese dip better eaten hot or cold?
Both! You can make this and serve it immediately or you can make it ahead of time and chill it before you serve it.
Smoked Cream Cheese Variations
There are so many different ways to switch this up to suit your tastes or try something new! Try one of them below!
| Smoked Cream Cheese Variations | Rubs | Dippers | Toppers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville Hot Cream Cheese | Nashville Hot Chicken Rub | Celery + Crackers | Hot Honey Drizzle |
| Apple Pie Smoked Cream Cheese | Cinnamon Sugar | Nilla Wafers | Apple Pie Filling |
| Taco Smoked Cream Cheese | Taco seasoning | Tortilla Strips | Hatch Chilies |
| Jalapeno Jam Smoked Cream Cheese | All-Purpose BBQ Rub | Crackers | Jalapeno Jam |
| Everything Bagel Smoked Cream Cheese | Everything Bagel Seasoning | Bagel Chips | Crumbled Bacon |
Try our Smoked Cream Cheese Pasta too!
More OWYD smoked cream cheese to love
We love smoked cream cheese, and have made a bunch of great variations on this original recipe for you to enjoy. Pick one, or a few, and give them a try!
Smoked Jalapeño Popper Cream Cheese
Take your smoked cream cheese to the next level by turning it into a spicy Jalapeño Popper Smoked Cream Cheese!
Smoked Garlic Pig Shots
Bacon-wrapped sausage rounds get stuffed with smoked roasted garlic cream cheese mixed with sharp cheddar. Then it gets smoked and drizzled with a tangy vinegar-based barbecue sauce.
Smoked Cream Cheese Guacamole
Make our easy Smoked Cream Cheese Guacamole for your new bbq or party!
Smoked Bacon Jam Cream Cheese
Sweet and tangy and smokey and perfect for dipping! This super easy pellet grill appetizer is perfect for Halloween, or anytime you need a snack.
Smoked Chili Crunch Cream Cheese
This spicy take on the smoked cream cheese craze will have garlic chili lovers rejoicing. Spicy, and spread of fried wonton triangles.
Traeger Smoked Hot Crab Dip
Throw together this simple dip in 5 minutes, and then let your pellet grill do all the work! Wood fire + seafood is always a winner, and when you throw in some cream cheese & sour cream to the mix? Forget it. You've officially upgraded.
Traeger Smoked Cream Cheese Pasta
The tastiest and easiest pasta I've ever made! Cream cheese, tomatoes, mushrooms, and spinach get smoked on the pellet grill, and then we add some white wine before tossing it with fresh, hot pasta.
Reader Favorite Recipes
The Traeger Eggnog Cheesecake is a decadent dessert perfect for the holiday season. The combination of eggnog and creamy cheesecake is truly irresistible.
If you’re looking for a tasty appetizer, try the Spinach Dip Rollups. These bite-sized snacks are packed with flavor thanks to the creamy spinach dip and crispy, flaky dough.
For a unique and delicious side dish, try the Smoked Mashed Potatoes. Cooking them on a Traeger grill adds a smoky flavor that enhances the creamy texture of the mashed potatoes.
The No-Bake Raspberry Fluff Pie is the perfect dessert for when you want something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s light, fluffy, and bursting with raspberry flavor.
If you’re a fan of spinach and artichoke dip, you’ll love the Traeger Spinach Artichoke Dip. Adding smoky flavor to this classic dip takes it to the next level.
Looking for a spicy appetizer? Try the Traeger Jalapeno Poppers. These little bites are filled with cream cheese and bacon, and wrapped in smoky grilled jalapenos. They’re sure to be a hit at any party or gathering.
My favorite recipes on OWYD!
- Pork Belly Burnt Ends
- Smoked Brisket
- Spatchcock Chicken
- Pancit Bihon
- Beer Can Chicken
- Smoked Hamburgers
- Smoked Chicken Thighs
- Traeger Salmon
- Smoked Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
- Traeger Pulled Pork
- Smoked Tri-Tip
- Poor Man’s Burnt Ends
- Smoked Beef Ribs
- Traeger Pulled Pork
Traeger Smoked Cream Cheese
The TikTok sensation is hitting a grill near you! This smoked cream cheese dip is simple and delicious. You're going to want a slab of this in the fridge pretty much always.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoons Roasted Garlic Rub (or your favorite bbq rub)
Instructions
- Preheat your pellet grill to 180°.
- Put non-stick foil onto a baking sheet. Place the cream cheese onto the foil and drizzle the oil on top. Make some 1/2 inch thick scores on the top of the cream cheese. Sprinkle the rub on top of the block.
- Place the cream cheese pan into the smoker and smoke for 2 hours.
- Serve with crackers, rounds of bread, pita chips, or even fritos!
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 116Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 89mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 2g
Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate.
Marcy Rodgers
Sunday 31st of December 2023
Can you use a charcoal grill if you don’t have a pellet grill
John H
Monday 29th of January 2024
@Marcy Rodgers, soak wood chips for at least an hour. Then make a small pile of briquettes on one side of the grill and light them. Place the cream cheese on the opposite side of the grill and use the grill vents to regulate the temp (more air = more heat).
Marcy Rodgers
Sunday 7th of January 2024
@Nicole Johnson, how would I smoke it with charcoal grill need instructions if you have any.
Nicole Johnson
Sunday 31st of December 2023
Absolutely!
AlbertaBoy
Tuesday 27th of December 2022
Delicious! “Olive oil” was listed in the ingredients but not referenced in the instructions that I could tell. I left it out, not wanting to make a barrier or anything to prevent smoke penetration. Was just great with just cheese & rub. Served with cracked as a hot pepper jelly…. Crowd pleaser.
Nicole Johnson
Tuesday 27th of December 2022
Hey Greg! Looks like you might have just missed it. Here's the first part of step 2: "Put non-stick foil onto a baking sheet. Place the cream cheese onto the foil and drizzle the oil on top."
I'm glad it worked out well without it, and that you and your crowd liked it so much! I think its fantastic. Try it mixed with goat cheese sometime! Game-changer!
Genevieve
Tuesday 18th of October 2022
Wow is this delicious! The smoke is not overpowering but adds a really wonderful element to the cream cheese. Thank you!
Mandy Applegate
Thursday 13th of October 2022
The cream cheese came out perfectly smoked and had a great flavor. It was so easy to make and only took a few minutes. I will definitely be making this again.
Shelby
Wednesday 12th of October 2022
This cream cheese dip is amazing! I went with the Nashville hot variation and it was the perfect party app.