This viral TikTok recipe has taken the world by storm with its creamy, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors that tantalize the taste buds. As you indulge in its velvety smoothness, you’ll find yourself craving another bite, and another, and another. It’s a social magnet that effortlessly brings people together, making it the perfect companion for any gathering or get-together. Serve it with an assortment of crunchy dippers like pretzels, chips, crackers, or even fresh veggie sticks, and watch as it vanishes in thin air. If you’re hooked on this addictive dip, be sure to explore other mouth-watering recipes like roasted red pepper cream cheese or smoked gouda bacon cheddar cheese for an endless supply of snacktime excitement.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What sets this recipe apart is its unparalleled customization potential. You’re free to adjust the seasoning levels to your taste by adding more or less of any given spice. Furthermore, you can substitute in other pre-mixed blends to create a unique flavor profile that suits your cravings. The versatility doesn’t stop there – this creamy delight can be used as a dip for veggies or chips, a spread for sandwiches, or even as a pasta sauce to elevate your next meal. And the best part? It’s an excellent choice for any occasion, guaranteed to please even the pickiest of eaters. When you factor in the rich, smoky flavor with just the right amount of spicy jalapeno kick, it’s no wonder this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. If you’re cooking up some meat on the smoker, don’t be afraid to get creative and whip up some smoked cream cheese as an added bonus.
How to Make Smoked Cream Cheese Dip
To get started on this mouthwatering recipe, begin by preparing your cream cheese. Unwrap it and place it in a suitable dish – be it a casserole, cast iron skillet, or even aluminum foil-lined surface. Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before proceeding.
Next, focus on the seasonings and jalapeños. In one bowl, combine olive oil and beer to create a unique flavor profile. In another, mix together your preferred seasonings and slice the jalapeños, carefully removing any seeds if you’re looking for a milder dip.
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Brush the cream cheese with the beer mixture and generously sprinkle the seasoning blend over both the cheese and sliced jalapeños. Once this step is complete, your dish is ready to be smoked.
Preheat your smoker to the desired temperature and place the prepared cream cheese mixture within. Allow it to smoke for 2 hours and 30 minutes before serving.
Finally, garnish your delicious dip with chopped cilantro and serve it with your choice of gluten-free accompaniments – from crackers to chips, pretzels, or even bread.
Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to get creative with the seasonings in this smoked cream cheese dip recipe, as they can be easily modified to give it a distinct flavor each time. Consider using ready-made meat or chicken rubs, taco seasoning, or even a sweet blend for a twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different wood pellets in your smoker, which can infuse the cream cheese dip with unique smoky flavors. Alternatively, try adding a hint of sweetness by substituting savory seasonings with cinnamon sugar. This sweet version makes for a delightful gluten-free dessert or party snack when served with chopped firm fruits like apple slices.
How to Store Smoked Cream Cheese Appetizer
When you’re done enjoying your snack, store leftover dip for a quick fix later on. To keep it fresh, simply place the container in the refrigerator and it will remain good for up to 3 days. As for freezing, it’s best to avoid this method as it can affect the texture, causing the cream cheese to become grainy once thawed.
Top Tips
When crafting a smoked cream cheese dip, selecting the right cream cheese is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and rich flavor. Opt for a high-quality, full-fat option to ensure your dip is velvety and indulgent. It’s equally important to allow the cream cheese to smoke undisturbed for its full 2-hour duration, as this will imbue it with a deep, savory smokiness. Meanwhile, when selecting seasonings, be discerning about blended rubs that prioritize salt, as they can quickly overpower the other flavors. Instead, rely on the recipe’s recommended spices or craft your own blend to avoid an overly salty taste.
Traeger Smoked Cream Cheese Dip FAQs
When selecting a cream cheese for smoking, I recommend using a full-fat variety that can hold its shape throughout the process. Philadelphia cream cheese is a reliable choice, but feel free to substitute it with your preferred brand.Some might assume that the cream cheese would melt in the smoker, but surprisingly, this viral TikTok recipe produces a delightfully creamy yet firmer texture when smoked. The result is an ideal base for adding flavors and seasonings. While smoking does cause the cream cheese to dry out slightly over time, it remains spreadable after a few hours. Maintaining a low smoker temperature and slow cooking process ensures that the cream cheese doesn’t melt or become too runny.As for gluten content, this recipe can be adapted to be gluten-free by choosing gluten-free beer and verifying that your seasonings don’t contain hidden gluten additives.Regarding vegan or dairy-free alternatives, this recipe relies heavily on traditional cream cheese’s texture and flavor. While replicating the creamy consistency might be challenging, some excellent vegan cream cheese options are available for experimentation.
Smoked Cream Cheese FAQs
When it comes to selecting the ideal cream cheese for smoking, I’m often asked about the best type to use on a pellet grill or Traeger smoker. In my experience, full-fat Philadelphia cream cheese works exceptionally well and produces a rich flavor profile. While alternative brands can be used, I do wonder if reduced-fat options would compromise the overall taste. That being said, any brand of your choice will still yield delicious results. To ensure leftovers are preserved, store them tightly covered or in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll remain fresh for up to a week. Unfortunately, smoked cream cheese can’t be frozen due to its unique texture. One common concern is whether the cream cheese will melt during the smoking process. The good news is that this particular recipe has been designed with the smoker’s temperature and slow cooking method in mind, which prevents the cream cheese from melting. Instead, it transforms into a slightly drier consistency that remains spreadable even after several hours of smoking. As you continue to smoke it, the texture will change further, but rest assured that it’ll still be perfectly edible and ready to serve with your favorite crackers or as an appetizer dip.
Smoked Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
Smoked Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
This scrumptious smoked cream cheese dip has taken the TikTok world by storm, impressing taste buds with its velvety texture and tantalizing flavors. A harmonious balance of rich smokiness, subtle jalapeno spice, and tangy cheesiness comes together to create a mouthwatering experience that’s sure to leave you craving more. With a quick 15-minute prep time and a relatively short cooking period of 2 hours and 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those looking to indulge in a satisfying snack or appetizer without breaking the bank.
Instructions
As you prepare to indulge in this mouthwatering treat, preheat your smoker to a gentle 225 degrees Fahrenheit for a mere 15 minutes. Meanwhile, remove the cream cheese from its packaging and transfer it to a sturdy casserole dish, disposable foil pan, or even a cast-iron skillet – the choice is yours! To give it a rich, velvety sheen, combine olive oil and beer in a small bowl, then brush all sides of the cream cheese with this savory mixture. In another small bowl, blend together mustard powder, brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ancho chili powder, white pepper, and salt to create a bold seasoning mix. Next, take your jalapeños and slice them into manageable pieces, removing any seeds in the process. Toss these spicy bits with the remaining olive oil and beer mixture, then sprinkle on about 2/3 of the seasoning blend and stir until they’re evenly coated. Now it’s time to season all sides of the cream cheese with your carefully crafted spice mix. Using a sharp knife, score the cheese in a crisscross pattern for added visual appeal. Once you’ve done that, surround the cheese with your seasoned jalapeños, creating a beautiful and appetizing centerpiece. Finally, place this masterpiece into the smoker and let it ride for a leisurely 2-3 hours. When it’s time to serve, garnish with some fresh cilantro leaves and arrange on a platter surrounded by an assortment of crackers, pretzels, chips, or even crusty bread.
