A Smoky Twist on a Party Classic

There's a reason this smoked cream cheese recipe went viral: it brings together smoky, sweet, and spicy flavours in a simple, fuss-free way. Looking for a tasty appetiser that still steals the show? One for your favourite BBQ, camping trip, or a casual get-together, this easy appetiser is exactly that.

Serve it straight from the smoker with bagel chips, pita chips, or crunchy veggie sticks. Or lay it out on a charcuterie board for a proper crowd-pleaser.

What you’ll Need

Gear:

To get that low-and-slow finish without melting your cream cheese into a puddle, the right setup is key:

Either the Ozpig Big Pig Smoker Combo or Ozpig Series 2 Smoker Combo makes it easy to maintain steady low temperatures (100°C to 120°C) while delivering even, consistent smoke.

• Small Foil Tray or Baking Paper (Parchment Paper) is essential for keeping the cream cheese from sticking or losing its shape as it softens.
• Sharp Knife for scoring a crosshatch pattern (cross hatch pattern) into the block so the smoke and seasoning can work their way in.

Step 1: Prep the Block of Cream Cheese

Take your cream cheese straight from the fridge and place it onto parchment paper or a small foil tray. Score a crosshatch pattern into the top about 5mm deep. This creates that signature smoked cream cheese texture while letting smoky flavour and seasoning work their way into the centre. 

Step 2: Season Up With Your Favourite BBQ Rub

Coat all sides generously. Whether you go with your favourite BBQ rub, a dry rub, or even everything bagel seasoning, a well-seasoned cream cheese crust is what creates that incredible contrast with the creamy interior. 

Step 3: Get Smoking With Your Ozpig Setup

Place the cream cheese away from direct flame. Aim for a gentle, consistent smoke at 100°C to 120°C. 

Step 4: The Wait

Smoke for 45 to 60 minutes. You'll know your smoked cream cheese dip is ready when the outside turns a deep golden colour and the block feels soft and slightly gooey while still holding its shape. 

Step 5: The Finish

Remove from the heat and immediately drizzle the sweet chilli sauce and honey over the top while it's still piping hot.

Pro Tip

Easy Cream Cheese Variations to Try

For easy cream cheese variations, swap your favourite BBQ rub for a dry rub, bagel seasoning, or everything bagel seasoning to switch up the flavour profile. Want a lighter option? Low fat cream cheese works fine here, just expect a slightly less rich texture. 

Pair This Smoked Cream Cheese Dip With BBQ Favourites

Serve this smoked cream cheese dip straight away while it's warm and gooey. It pairs brilliantly with tortilla chips for that salty crunch that balances the cream cheese dip perfectly. Got leftover pulled pork or brisket? Pile it on top for a next-level cream cheese appetizer. Simple as that.