Smoked Cream Cheese on a Pellet Grill
This easy smoked cream cheese recipe uses just two ingredients to create a warm, smoky appetizer with a sticky jam glaze that actually stays put. Perfect for parties, game day, or anytime you need a quick pellet grill appetizer.
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 139kcal
Ingredients
- 1 block (8 ounces) full-fat cream cheese (brick-style)
- ½ cup jam or jelly, any flavor (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker: Preheat your pellet grill to 225℉. Fill the hopper with apple, cherry, or pecan pellets.
- Prepare the cream cheese: Remove the cream cheese from the wrapper and pat it completely dry with paper towels. This helps the glaze stick.
- Score the top: Using a sharp knife, score a crosshatch pattern about ½ inch deep into the top of the cream cheese. Do not cut more than halfway through the block.
- Add a primer coat: Place the cream cheese in a small cast-iron skillet, foil boat, or foil pan. Brush a thin layer of jam or jelly over the top.
- Smoke: Place the pan on the grill grates and smoke for 60 minutes. The score marks will begin to open as the cheese warms.
- Add the final glaze: Spoon the remaining jam or jelly over the top, pressing it gently into the score marks.
- Finish smoking: Continue smoking for 30 minutes, until the glaze looks glossy and slightly sticky.
- Serve: Carefully remove from the smoker and serve warm with crackers, pretzels, or toasted bread. Enjoy!
Notes
- Keep the temperature at 225F. Higher heat can cause the cream cheese to melt instead of soften.
- Use brick-style cream cheese only. Whipped or spreadable cream cheese will melt too quickly and won't hold its shape on the smoker.
- Keep the cream cheese cold until it hits the grill. Starting with cold cream cheese helps it soften slowly and prevents it from turning into a puddle.
- Chunky jams and jellies settle nicely into the score marks, but smooth versions work too.
- Fruit woods work best. Apple or cherry pellets add light smoke flavor without overpowering the cream cheese.
- Serve warm for the best texture. As it cools, the cream cheese will firm up slightly. Reheat gently if needed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat slowly in short intervals in the microwave, oven, or air fryer. Too much heat will cause it to melt.
- Calories will vary depending on the jam or jelly used.
Nutrition
Calories: 139kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 114mg | Potassium: 11mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.1mg
