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Watch Me Make It
This smoked cream cheese appetizer turns jalapeño popper flavors into a warm, scoopable centerpiece. The cheese should soften enough for dipping while still holding a loose shape in the pan, rather than melting into a liquid. It is best served promptly, while the texture is at its creamiest.
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Why This Recipe Works
Finely diced jalapeños are distributed evenly through the topping, helping prevent an occasional overly spicy bite. Using a small skillet or disposable pan keeps the softened cheese and rendered bacon fat contained, making the appetizer easier to move and serve.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 2 jalapeños, finely diced
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon BBQ seasoning
How to Make It
Preheat your smoker to 225°F. Place the cream cheese block in a small cast iron skillet or disposable aluminum pan. Score the top in a crosshatch pattern using a sharp knife.
Season the cream cheese with BBQ seasoning, making sure to cover the top and sides. Combine the diced jalapeños, shredded cheddar, and chopped bacon. Spoon the mixture evenly over the cream cheese and pat it into the cream cheese lightly.
Place the skillet on the smoker and cook for 40-45 minutes until the cream cheese is softened and the toppings are hot and bubbly. Remove from the smoker and serve warm with crackers or toasted bread.
Tips and Variations
Keep the crosshatch cuts shallow so the block stays together as it softens. The channels help hold the seasoning and toppings in place.
Handle the hot pan carefully after smoking. Cast iron retains heat, and the softened cream cheese can shift slightly when carried.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should I set the smoker to?
Preheat the smoker to 225°F.
How long does jalapeu00f1o popper smoked cream cheese take to cook?
Smoke it for 40-45 minutes, until the cream cheese is softened and the toppings are hot and bubbly.
Do I need to score the cream cheese before smoking it?
Yes. Score the top of the cream cheese block in a crosshatch pattern with a sharp knife before seasoning it.
What toppings go on the cream cheese?
Top it with a mixture of finely diced jalapeu00f1os, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and chopped cooked bacon.
What should I serve with smoked cream cheese?
Serve it warm with crackers or toasted bread.
Serving Ideas
For a crisp optional contrast, offer celery sticks or bell pepper strips alongside the crackers or toasted bread.
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More Appetizers Recipes You'll Love
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 2 jalapeños finely diced
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup cooked bacon chopped
- 1 tablespoon BBQ seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
- Place the cream cheese block in a small cast iron skillet or disposable aluminum pan. Score the top in a crosshatch pattern using a sharp knife.
- Season the cream cheese with BBQ seasoning, making sure to cover the top and sides.
- Combine the diced jalapeños, shredded cheddar, and chopped bacon. Spoon the mixture evenly over the cream cheese.
- Place the skillet on the smoker and cook for 40-45 minutes until the cream cheese is softened and the toppings are hot and bubbly.
- Remove from the smoker and serve warm with crackers or toasted bread.
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