Smoked Cream Cheese on a Pellet Grill (Easy 3-Ingredient Recipe)
- Mike J
- Oct 7, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 5
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Smoked cream cheese on a pellet grill is one of the easiest and most flavorful appetizers you can make. Creamy on the inside with a lightly smoky, seasoned crust on the outside, this simple recipe has become a favorite in the BBQ world—and for good reason. With less than 5 minutes of prep time and only three ingredients, smoked cream cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, tailgating, or just firing up your pellet grill for the weekend, this smoked cream cheese recipe is an easy win. I make this on my Pit Boss 820 pellet grill, and it turns out incredible every time.
Why Smoked Cream Cheese Is So Popular
Smoking cream cheese at a low temperature allows it to absorb rich wood-smoke flavor while staying perfectly creamy in the center. The outside develops a lightly seasoned crust, making it ideal for spreading on crackers, bread, or even bagels.
Best of all, this recipe is highly customizable. You can use sweet rubs, savory rubs, spicy toppings, or even dessert-style seasonings depending on your taste.
Smoked Cream Cheese Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1.5–2 hours
Grill Temperature: 225°F
Method: Low & Slow Smoking
Ingredients for Smoked Cream Cheese
1 (8-oz) block of Philadelphia cream cheese
Olive oil (used as a binder)
Your favorite BBQ rub
I use Meat Church Texas Sugar
How to Prepare Smoked Cream Cheese
Coat the Cream Cheese Lightly coat all sides of the cream cheese block with olive oil. This helps the seasoning stick and promotes even smoking.
Season Generously Apply your favorite BBQ rub generously on all sides. For this recipe, I used Meat Church Texas Sugar, which adds the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavor.
Score the Top Lightly score the top of the cream cheese in a crosshatch pattern. This allows the seasoning and smoke to penetrate deeper into the cheese. If you are in the market for any kitchen cutlery please check out our great selection.
Place on the Grill Set the cream cheese in a disposable foil pan, on aluminum foil, or in a cast iron skillet (I use a cast iron fajita skillet). But these disposable Amazon loaf pans work perfectly too. And no mess.
How Long to Smoke Cream Cheese
Smoke the cream cheese at 225°F for 1.5 to 2 hours. I cooked this on my Pit Boss 820 pellet grill.
You’ll know it’s ready when the outside has a golden, seasoned crust and the inside is warm and creamy.
Cooling and Serving Smoked Cream Cheese
Once finished, carefully remove the cream cheese from the grill using heat-resistant gloves or tools. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The outside will be lightly firm while the center stays soft and spreadable.
Serve immediately while warm.
What to Put on Smoked Cream Cheese
One of my favorite ways to serve smoked cream cheese is topped with roasted pineapple and habanero glaze—it’s a total game changer. I usually serve mine with Ritz crackers, but you can use whatever you like.
Check out Robert Rothschild Farm Roasted Pineapple & Habanero Gourmet Glaze and Finishing Sauce and purchase directly from Amazon. We love this glaze.
Other great serving options include:
Club crackers
Pretzel chips
Toasted baguette slices
Bagels
Smoked Cream Cheese Flavor Variations
Try these seasoning ideas to change things up:
Savory and crunchy with garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seeds.
2. Paprika & Cayenne Pepper
Adds smokiness with a subtle heat.
3. Garlic & Herb
A classic blend with thyme, rosemary, and parsley.
4. Honey & Chili Flakes
Sweet and spicy with great contrast.
5. BBQ Rub
Savory, smoky, and slightly sweet—perfect for pellet grills.
6. Italian Seasoning
Herbaceous and aromatic.
7. Ranch Seasoning
Tangy and creamy, great for dipping.
8. Lemon Zest & Dill
Fresh and bright—excellent with smoked salmon.
A dessert-style option for bagels or crackers.
10. Black Pepper & Sea Salt
Simple, clean, and classic.
Final Thoughts on Smoked Cream Cheese on a Pellet Grill
Smoking cream cheese on a pellet grill is one of the easiest ways to add bold, smoky flavor to your appetizer lineup. With minimal prep, endless flavor options, and incredible results, this recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned grillers alike.
Fire up your pellet grill, get creative with seasonings, and enjoy one of the most addictive smoked appetizers out there. Once you try it, smoked cream cheese will become a regular on your grill.
Delicious—enjoy! 🐝🔥🧀
Smoking cream cheese on a pellet grill is an effortless way to introduce a burst of smoky goodness to your culinary repertoire. Whether you're hosting a barbecue or simply looking to impress your taste buds, this creamy delight is sure to steal the show. With a grill, some simple ingredients, and a dash of creativity, you can create the best smoked cream cheese that'll have everyone asking for your secret recipe. Enjoy the rich, smoky goodness – it's a flavor journey you won't forget.
Other delicious Bee Free Outdoors recipes:
Love smoked cream cheese.