There are plenty of foods out there that taste delicious but don’t look appetizing when they are prepared. One of the most popular foods that fit into this category is smoked cream cheese, which looks like lumpy white globs and doesn’t look like something you’d want to eat—unless you were an actual lump of white cheese, that is!
To help you make the right decision when it comes to eating this unique form of cream cheese, we’ve put together this guide on smoked cream cheese—what it is, how it’s made, and what you can do with it.
What is it?
This is a blog post about smoked cream cheese. If you are wondering what it is, this post will answer your question.
Smoked cream cheese is a type of cheese that has been smoked for a long time and then mixed with cream, giving it a salty, smoky flavor.
It tastes good on toast with jam or by itself on crackers. One thing to note about smoked cream cheese is that it can be difficult to find because it isn’t as popular as other cheeses and so not many places carry it. However, there are some shops that sell the product and if you’re interested in trying some you should head over there and ask them if they carry any and buy some if they do!
How does it compare to regular cream cheese?
In this blog, we’ll talk about what smoked cream cheese is and how it’s made. We’ll also cover the many ways you can use it in your cooking and baking. Finally, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions. So are you ready? Let’s jump right in!
Smoked cream cheese is a type of cream cheese that has been smoked over wood chips for a few hours before being chilled overnight. It typically has a more pronounced smoky flavor than traditional cream cheeses because smoke contains natural salts which help to add flavor without adding extra salt or preservatives.
This makes it a great option for those who are looking for bolder flavors while still keeping things healthier. The texture will be similar to that of regular cream cheese with just a bit more give from the smoking process. Typically, smoked cream cheese doesn’t need any refrigeration as it has already undergone a long aging process.
However, if storing at room temperature make sure to keep it sealed tightly and away from anything that might contaminate the product (think fruit). As mentioned above, there are many different types of smoked cream cheeses available depending on personal preference and region.
What can I use it for?
1. Smoked cream cheese is a great substitute for traditional cream cheese in any recipe that calls for cream cheese, including dips, spreads, and desserts.
2. Use it as a spread on crackers or bread with sliced apple or pear; as a dip for raw vegetables; or even as the base of an appetizer platter with crackers, grapes, and sliced apples.
3. Try smoked cream cheese in these recipes: Asparagus Wraps with Smoked Salmon and Dill-Pickled Red Onions*; Smoked Gouda and Bacon Deviled Eggs*; Roasted Vegetable Tartines with Smoaky Goat Cheese*. *recipe found in our cookbook F&W’s Best Light Recipe
4. If you want to use smoked cream cheese in cooking, melt about 3/4 lb (1 kg) of it over low heat with a little olive oil, whisking until smooth. Then add your favorite herbs and spices (try basil and crushed red pepper flakes). The mixture will keep refrigerated for up to one week or frozen for up to three months. With so many uses and endless flavor combinations, you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy smoked cream cheese.
What products are available?
Different flavors of smoked cream cheese, including original, chipotle, garlic and herb, jalapeño-lime, sriracha-honey, and tangerine-lemon. -Cream cheese spreads in a jar. -Cream cheese dips in a jar. -Pizza crusts in a jar. -Biscuits in a jar. -Vegan whipped topping. -Non-dairy ice creams
What are the nutritional facts?: The ingredients include almond milk, coconut oil, maple syrup, agar powder, and tapioca starch among others. There is no added sugar or fat. The calorie count per serving is 140 with 25 grams of fat (mostly from plant sources) as well as 15 grams of carbs. There are 4 grams of protein per serving too (again mostly from plant sources). A couple more things about this product that make it stand out for me are that it is gluten-free and has less than 1 gram of sugar per serving!
What equipment do I need to buy?
-A smoker. There are many types of smokers available on the market, so find one that will work with your budget and cooking needs.
-Wood chips or chunks for smoking. These can be found at most hardware stores in the barbecue or grilling section.
-Some type of food-grade cooking oil for greasing your smoker racks (vegetable oil, butter, bacon fat).
-A thermometer that can read up to 300° F (meat thermometer, oven probe).
-Sturdy aluminum foil pans with lids for wrapping and storing your smoked cream cheese. Aluminum foil pans help prevent leaks and keep your fingers from burning when you touch the hot cheese!
-Tongs or gloves to use while handling hot foods. It’s always a good idea to keep an extra pair of these nearby when working with any hot ingredient because accidents happen! Plus, tongs allow you to easily handle hot logs without burning yourself.
-Utensils like mixing spoons, spatulas, whisks, knives, and forks as well as a cutting board if you plan on cutting it into pieces before serving it.
Do I need smoking supplies?
If you are going to be smoking your cream cheese, then yes you will need a smoker. However, if you simply want a smoky flavor without the smoke ring then no, there is no need for smoking supplies. Some people like to add liquid smoke into their cream cheese as well and it can give it a very strong smoked taste with very little effort on your part.
How long does it keep?
Smoked cream cheese will keep for up to a week in the fridge, and it can be frozen for up to a month. Be sure that you use an airtight container when storing it.
Other Uses
- Use it on toast for breakfast, as a cheeseburger patty for lunch, or on a sandwich for dinner.
- Add some smoked cream cheese to your favorite casserole recipe for a smoky twist.
- Spread some on crackers and top with watermelon, cucumbers, tomatoes, or other vegetables of your choice for an easy appetizer at your next get-together.
- Melt some and drizzle over vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower before roasting in the oven until they’re tender and golden brown; serve them alongside roasted chicken breasts or pork chops with applesauce
- Mix it into mashed potatoes while they’re still hot so that the flavors meld together
- Brush onto a turkey breast before baking
- Slice thin strips to lay over raw veggie lasagna noodles before topping with sauce
- Make a quick grilled cheese sandwich by placing some slices of bread on a griddle or frying pan, adding two slices of cooked meat if you want (optional), then adding a few spoonfuls of smoked cream cheese, and finally adding the remaining bread slice to make it like a grilled ham and cheese
- Assemble spinach artichoke dip ingredients (minus spinach) in a food processor bowl fitted with the steel blade attachment
- Pulse until smooth
- Transfer mixture to a microwave-safe container
- Cover with plastic wrap
- Microwave for 30 seconds.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a go-to smoked cream cheese recipe, this one is sure to please! It’s great on a bagel, as a spread for wraps or sandwiches, in dips and sauces, as an ingredient for baked goods, and even in savory dishes. Smoked cream cheese is an easy way to add some smokiness and depth of flavor without any extra work. Give it a try next time you’re feeling creative with your cooking—I’m sure you won’t regret it!
Also, check out the latest articles “Rasta pasta” and “Philadelphia cream cheese“
Hi I’m Bilal Malik, a digital marketing and blogging expert holding years of experience.
