Smoked Cream Cheese with Red Pepper Jelly

Name: Smoked Cream Cheese with Red Pepper Jelly
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: One block cream cheese; 2 to 3 tablespoons everything seasoning; 2 tablespoons red pepper jelly

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Watch Me Make It

This warm, spreadable appetizer pairs a savory everything-seasoned exterior with a glossy sweet-spicy topping. The crosshatched surface gives the block an appealing presentation while creating more access for smoke. Serve it intact so guests can scoop into the softened center with crackers or vegetables.

Why This Recipe Works

Crosshatching creates extra surface area for the seasoning to cling without disturbing the shape of the block. Keeping the cream cheese intact also makes the contrast between the seasoned surface, soft center, and finished topping especially appealing for sharing.

A hand holds everything bagel seasoning beside a block of cream cheese covered with the seasoning on a foil-lined board. — Get the Seasoning

Ingredients

One block cream cheese
2 to 3 tablespoons everything seasoning
2 tablespoons red pepper jelly

How to Make It

Preheat smoker to 225 degrees. Crosshatch cream cheese to allow flavor and smoke to penetrate deeper.

Liberally cover cream cheese with everything bagel seasoning. Place cream cheese into smoker.

Let smoke for about 25 to 35 minutes until the cream cheese starts to jiggle but is not starting to liquefy. Remove from smoker and allow to cool for about five minutes.

Cream cheese covered with everything bagel seasoning on aluminum foil over a grill grate.

Layer red pepper jelly on top. Serve with your favorite crackers or vegetables.

Tips and Variations

Use a grill-safe pan, tray, or other stable support beneath the cream cheese. Once softened, the block can be difficult to move without breaking apart.

Cream cheese topped with everything bagel seasoning and red pepper jelly on aluminum foil.

Rely on the visual cue more than the clock: the cream cheese should look softened and jiggle gently while still holding together, not flow or collapse. Let it stand briefly before topping so it can settle and the topping stays more distinct.

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature should I set the smoker to?

Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees.

Why should I crosshatch the cream cheese?

Crosshatching helps the flavor and smoke penetrate deeper into the cream cheese.

How long does smoked cream cheese take?

Smoke it for about 25 to 35 minutes, until it starts to jiggle but is not beginning to liquefy.

When should I add the red pepper jelly?

Remove the cream cheese from the smoker, let it cool for about five minutes, then layer the red pepper jelly on top.

What should I serve with smoked cream cheese?

Serve it with your favorite crackers or vegetables.

Serving Ideas

Sturdy crackers are best for scooping the softened center. Crisp raw vegetables, such as celery or baby carrots, are a welcome optional addition, and the finished block can be set on a board or platter for easy sharing.

A hand holds a cracker topped with cream cheese, red pepper jelly, and everything bagel seasoning over a foil-lined tray.

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