Smoked Cream Cheese with Everything Bagel Spice and Honey Drizzle
- Recipe Introduction
- What You Need to Make Smoked Cream Cheese Magic
- Ingredients & Equipment: The Cream Cheese Lowdown
- Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place is Key
- Smoked Cream Cheese: The Step-by-Step
- Pro Tips for Smoked Cream Cheese Perfection
- My Story
- Recipe Notes for the Perfect Smoked Cream Cheese
- Frequently Asked Questions
Smoked Cream Cheese With Everything Bagel Spice
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 180 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 0g |
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a taste sensation that's smoky, creamy, and totally addictive? smoked cream cheese is where it's at! it’s like that quirky indie band you stumble upon.
You know? unexpected, a little bit odd, but bloody brilliant.
Brief Overview
Smoked cream cheese, despite sounding fancy, is dead easy to make. it's basically taking a block of cream cheese and giving it a gentle kiss of smoke.
Think campfire vibes, but for your cheese. it can be enjoyed by yourself, or to share.
It doesn's have a specific origin, but it is part of the smoker cooking recipes family, and i'd say it's fairly modern, probably inspired by the whole smoked cheese trend.
It’s an easy recipe and takes around 4- 8 hours total, including smoking and chilling time. this recipe yields about 6-8 servings.
Main Benefits
Honestly, apart from tasting utterly divine, this cream cheese recipes adds a bit of fun to your cheese board. it's a talking point, you know? plus, you get that amazing smoky flavour without any artificial rubbish.
Serve it up at your next bbq for a real crowd pleaser.
It is not necessarily the healthiest option, but it will bring joy and happiness to your next social event.
Want to know more? Let’s dive into the world of smoker cooking .
What You Need to Make Smoked Cream Cheese Magic
Ready to give this Smoked Cooking masterpiece a go?
Here's what you'll need to get started on your Pellet Smoker Recipes adventure:
1 (8 ounces) block cream cheese, full fat, brick style
For the Everything Bagel Spice:
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1 tablespoon dried minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
For the Honey Drizzle:
- 2 tablespoons honey, preferably local
- 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
And what equipment do I need, you ask? A cold smoker and then some items you certainly already have at home.
Smoker Recipes are usually very exciting. I can assure you this is one of the easiest Traeger Recipes you can try at home.
Ingredients & Equipment: The Cream Cheese Lowdown
Right, let's dive into what you'll need to get this smoked cream cheese sensation going. Trust me, it's easier than queuing for a Glastonbury ticket. And arguably more rewarding!
Main Ingredients: The Holy Trinity
- Cream Cheese: You'll want 1 (8 ounces/227 grams) block. It has to be the full fat, brick style stuff. Honestly, the cheap stuff just won't cut it. You want that creamy, dense texture. The kinda thing that keeps its shape. Think of it as your cream cheese's "good bones".
- Everything Bagel Spice: This is where the magic happens! Get ready for 1 tablespoon (14 ml) each of poppy seeds, sesame seeds (white or black), dried minced onion, and dried minced garlic. Plus, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of coarse sea salt.
- Honey Drizzle: Sweetness to balance the smokiness. 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of honey, preferably local. Also, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) apple cider vinegar gives it a lovely tang.
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!
The everything bagel spice is the cornerstone of this recipe. Don't be afraid to experiment with the spice amounts based on your personal preference. Seriously, do you!
For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your bagel spice. Want extra savory? Add a dash of onion powder, garlic powder or both!
For a honey sub, agave nectar or maple syrup works great. Not a fan of apple cider vinegar? Use a little squeeze of lemon instead. It's all about making it yours, innit?
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need to be a MasterChef to tackle this recipe!
The only essential bit of kit is a cold smoker . a pellet smoker works a treat, and you can experiment with different flavours using wood pellet smoker recipes .
Smoker cooking opens up a new world, let me tell you. you might be a convert by the time you are done with this.
Don't have a smoker? A smoke tube in a normal grill works pretty well. I've even seen people do it with a foil packet of wood chips!
Other than that, you'll need a wire rack, baking sheet, small bowl, mixing spoon, and some plastic wrap. Common household stuff. You know, the usual.
Alright, let's talk smoked cream cheese . i know, right? sounds a bit bonkers. honestly, though, it's proper lush! think of it as the unexpectedly cool cousin of regular cream cheese.
I'm going to walk you through this smoker cooking recipe that'll knock your socks off.
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place is Key
First things first, get everything sorted. proper mise en place, yeah? you need one 8 ounces block of full fat cream cheese.
Grab a tablespoon of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried minced onion, dried minced garlic, and a teaspoon of coarse sea salt for the everything bagel spice.
You'll also want two tablespoons of honey and half a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. it is also a good idea to put a wire rack on a baking sheet.
This is one of the better cream cheese recipes you'll come across.
Time Saving Tip: Mix the Everything Bagel spice while the smoker gets ready!
Smoked Cream Cheese: The Step-by-Step
- Prep that cheese! Unwrap it and put it on the wire rack. Air needs to circulate.
- Pellet Smoker Recipes ? Load it up! Cold smoke it, temperature below 90° F ( 32° C) . Seriously, don’t melt your cheese!
- Smoke for 2- 4 hours . Depends on how much smoke you like.
- Mix all the Everything Bagel Spice ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Wrap the smoked cream cheese in plastic wrap.
- Chill the cheese for at least 2 hours . This is important!
- Sprinkle the spice on the cheese. Drizzle with honey.
- Serve with your favorite dippers, and maybe a pint!
Pro Tips for Smoked Cream Cheese Perfection
Don't over smoke it! bitterness is a buzzkill. also, full fat cream cheese is your friend. the low-fat stuff melts. now that you have this simple smoker cooking recipe, you can master traeger recipes .
It's that easy to make a delicious smoked cheese . you can control your smoked cooking , by keeping an eye on the smoker recipes smoking temperature.
My Story
I was trying this out, and almost melted the cheese. after that, i kept a close watch on the temperature! i hope you can say that you are using the best pellet grill recipes .
Alright mate, let's talk about this smoked cream cheese recipe! It's not just about smokin' some cheese. It's about nailing it.
Recipe Notes for the Perfect Smoked Cream Cheese
Right then, here are a few notes to make your smoked cream cheese experience as smooth as a pint of Guinness.
Serving Suggestions: Get Your Grub On!
Fancy plating ideas? listen, it's cream cheese. it's delicious . plonk it on a nice board. add some crackers. boom. sorted! seriously though, consider a wooden board.
Rustic, innit? spread it on toasted bagels, especially everything bagels. think about some carrot sticks as well. serve with a nice crisp, cold beer.
Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh, Yeah?
If you have any leftover smoked cream cheese then wrap that bad boy tightly in cling film. keep it in the fridge, it will be good for about 3-5 days.
It's best enjoyed fresh, to be honest. i wouldn't bother freezing it. honestly, the texture goes a bit weird. reheating? nah.
This is a cold one. just let it come to room temperature a bit before serving for maximum spreadability. like butter, you know?
Variations: Spice It Up or Keep It Sweet!
Want to get a bit creative? stir in some chopped chives for a bit of zing. a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a kick.
It's like turning up the volume on your favourite tune. for a sweet twist, lose the everything bagel spice and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Okay, nutrition... who's counting when we're talking about smoked cream cheese ? joking! it's mainly fat, yeah, but you're getting some protein from the cream cheese itself.
But honestly, it's about the flavour. treat yourself, you deserve it!
So, there you have it! your smoked cream cheese adventure awaits. have fun with it, and don't be afraid to experiment.
And remember, the best things in life are often the simplest. now get out there and get smokin'! and tell us all about it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really cold smoke cream cheese? Won't it melt?
Absolutely! The key is cold smoking. You need to keep the temperature below 90°F (32°C). If your smoker is running too hot, the cream cheese will indeed melt into a gooey mess, and nobody wants that! Using a smoke tube or pellet smoker on its lowest setting usually does the trick.
Think of it like leaving butter out on a warm summer's day you want it softened, not liquid!
How long does it take to make smoked cream cheese? What if I want a stronger smoky flavour?
The actual smoking time is usually between 2-4 hours. The longer you smoke it, the more intense the smoky flavour will be. Remember, though, that over smoking can lead to a bitter taste, so start with 2 hours and taste it before adding more time.
It is recommended to then refrigerate for at least 2 hours after smoking so the flavour can develop.
What kind of wood chips should I use for the best smoked cream cheese flavour?
Milder woods like apple, cherry, or alder are fantastic choices. They impart a subtle sweetness and won't overpower the delicate flavour of the cream cheese. Avoid stronger woods like hickory or mesquite, as they can be a bit too intense for this dish, unless you're really into that bold smoky flavour!
Experiment to find your perfect wood pairing.
How should I store leftover smoked cream cheese?
Wrap any leftover smoked cream cheese tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to a week, though it's so yummy, it probably won't last that long! Just like your favourite cheese from the deli, always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.
I'm watching my calories is smoked cream cheese still something I can enjoy?
Definitely! While cream cheese is relatively high in fat, a little goes a long way with this recipe. Stick to the recommended serving size (about 1/8 of the recipe) and consider serving it with whole grain crackers or fresh vegetables instead of bagels.
You can also use a reduced fat cream cheese, but keep in mind that it might not hold its shape as well during smoking and may affect the overall texture. As with any treat, moderation is key!
Can I make variations of this smoked cream cheese recipe?
Absolutely, feel free to get creative! You can add spices like red pepper flakes for some heat, use maple syrup instead of honey for a sweeter touch, or try different toppings like chopped nuts or fresh herbs.
For a vegan version, use a block style vegan cream cheese alternative just be mindful of potential melting during smoking. It’s all about making it your own! Think of it as putting your own spin on a classic tune.
