Description
Homemade smoked cream cheese dip combines smoky flavor with creamy richness from Pennsylvania’s dairy traditions. Cheese enthusiasts will discover a simple yet luxurious appetizer perfect for gatherings and casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese
- 3 jalapenos
- 1 ounce (28 milliliters) IPA beer
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Ignite the smoker and stabilize temperature at 225°F, allowing it to preheat with closed lid for approximately 15 minutes.
- Select a smoker-safe container and place cream cheese inside. Create a marinade by blending oil and beer, then generously brush mixture across entire cheese surface.
- Craft seasoning blend by thoroughly combining dry spices in mixing bowl. Using a sharp knife, delicately score cream cheese in elegant crisscross pattern.
- Carefully slice jalapeños, removing seeds. Toss pepper slices with remaining oil-beer mixture and sprinkle with selected seasoning.
- Generously coat cream cheese with remaining spice mixture. Artfully arrange seasoned jalapeño slices surrounding the cheese.
- Position container in smoker and infuse with rich smoky flavors for approximately 2-2.5 hours. Just before serving, scatter fresh cilantro leaves as vibrant garnish.
Notes
- Create a smoky flavor by using wood chips like hickory or applewood for a more complex taste profile.
- Adjust the spice level by removing jalapeño seeds or using milder peppers like poblano for sensitive palates.
- For a gluten-free version, replace beer with gluten-free beer or chicken broth to maintain moisture and depth.
- Prep cream cheese cold to help it hold its shape during smoking and prevent excessive melting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 146
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg