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Smoked Cream Cheese Dip

This viral dip combines cream cheese with a spicy seasoning blend, slow-smoked for 2.5 hours with jalapeños for a rich, smoky flavor.

Featured in Small bites and starters.

A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Fri, 03 Jan 2025 01:21:50 GMT
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A baked dip topped with jalapeños and cilantro, surrounded by tortilla chips. Save it
A baked dip topped with jalapeños and cilantro, surrounded by tortilla chips. | myhomemaderecipe.com

When I first discovered Smoked Cream Cheese on TikTok I was skeptical but intrigued. After trying it in my smoker I was completely hooked! There's something magical about how that creamy cheese transforms when infused with smoky flavors and a hint of jalapeño heat. Now it's become my go-to recipe when I want to wow guests with something unexpected.

What Makes This Recipe Special

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. That smoky cream cheese becomes this incredible canvas for whatever flavors you love. I've used it on everything from crackers to bagels and even stirred it into pasta. Every time I serve it people can't believe something so simple could taste so amazing.

Everything You'll Need

  • Cream Cheese: Full fat gives the best results but any kind works beautifully.
  • Fresh Jalapeños: I leave some seeds in for extra kick.
  • That Smoky Touch: Smoked paprika adds such depth.
  • Flavor Builders: Garlic and onion powder create the perfect base.
  • Secret Ingredient: A splash of IPA adds amazing complexity.
  • The Seasoning Mix: Brown sugar chili powder and white pepper balance everything perfectly.
A baked cheese dip garnished with jalapeños and cilantro, served in a black dish alongside tortilla chips. Save it
A baked cheese dip garnished with jalapeños and cilantro, served in a black dish alongside tortilla chips. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Let's Make It Together

Getting Started
First we let our cream cheese come to room temperature this helps it take on all those amazing flavors. I like setting it on foil for easy cleanup.
Creating Our Flavors
While we're waiting I mix up our seasoning blends. That combination of beer and spices creates such incredible depth.
Adding Our Touch
Now comes the fun part brushing on that beer mixture and sprinkling our seasonings. Those jalapeños on top look like little jewels.
The Magic Hour
Into the smoker it goes. Those two and a half hours feel long but trust me the wait is worth it.
Time to Enjoy
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and it's ready to serve. I love watching people's faces when they take their first bite.

My Best Tips

After many batches I've learned some tricks. Quality cream cheese really does make a difference and don't rush the smoking time. That full two and a half hours creates the perfect flavor depth. When I'm serving it with pretzels I go easy on the salt in my seasoning blend it's all about balance.

A close-up of a bowl of creamy dip topped with sliced jalapeños and cilantro, surrounded by tortilla chips. Save it
A close-up of a bowl of creamy dip topped with sliced jalapeños and cilantro, surrounded by tortilla chips. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why score the cream cheese?

Scoring helps the seasonings and smoke penetrate deeper into the cream cheese, creating more flavor throughout.

→ Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, you can reduce or increase the amount of jalapeños and chili powder to suit your taste preferences.

→ Why use beer in the recipe?

The beer adds moisture and flavor while helping the seasonings stick to the cream cheese. An IPA adds subtle hoppy notes.

→ What's the best container to use?

You can use a casserole dish, disposable foil pan, cast iron skillet, or foil. The key is having something that can withstand smoking temperatures.

→ Can this be made ahead?

Yes, you can smoke the cream cheese ahead and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Smoked Cream Cheese Dip

A creamy, smoky dip made by slow-smoking cream cheese with spicy seasonings and jalapeños. Perfect for parties and gatherings.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
150 Minutes
Total Time
165 Minutes
By: Zaho


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (16 ounces dip)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 16 ounces cream cheese.
02 1 tablespoon olive oil.
03 1 ounce IPA beer.
04 1 teaspoon mustard powder.
05 1 teaspoon brown sugar.
06 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.
07 1 teaspoon onion powder.
08 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
09 ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder.
10 ½ teaspoon white pepper.
11 ½ teaspoon salt.
12 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped.
13 3 jalapeños.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat smoker to 225°F with lid closed for 15 minutes.

Step 02

Place cream cheese in smoking-safe container. Mix oil and beer, brush on all sides.

Step 03

Combine all dry seasonings in bowl. Score cream cheese in crisscross pattern.

Step 04

Slice and seed jalapeños, toss with remaining oil/beer mixture and some seasoning.

Step 05

Cover cream cheese with remaining seasoning, surround with seasoned jalapeños.

Step 06

Smoke for 2½ hours. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

Notes

  1. Scoring helps smoke penetrate cheese.
  2. Can adjust spice level to taste.
  3. Serve with pretzels, crackers, or bread.

Tools You'll Need

  • Smoker.
  • Casserole dish or foil pan.
  • Small bowls.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream cheese).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 280
  • Total Fat: 25 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 4 g
  • Protein: 6 g