Savory Smoked Cream Cheese Block Recipe with Hot Honey and Crackers
A quick and easy snack featuring a smoky cream cheese block drizzled with hot honey and served with crunchy crackers. Perfect for casual gatherings and impressing guests with bold, simple flavors.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
- Total Time: 50-60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (226 g) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
- 2 tablespoons hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
- About 1 cup crackers (whole grain or multigrain recommended)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (such as chives or thyme)
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes until soft but still firm enough to hold shape.
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese with smoked paprika and liquid smoke (if using). Stir gently but thoroughly until well blended. Taste and adjust smokiness if desired.
- Transfer the mixture onto a piece of parchment paper and shape it into a neat block or log about 6 inches long and 3 inches wide. Wrap lightly with parchment to keep the shape intact during smoking.
- Preheat your smoker to a low temperature, around 180°F (82°C). Add wood chips like hickory or applewood for a mild, sweet smoke flavor.
- Place the wrapped cream cheese block on the smoker rack. Smoke for 20-30 minutes depending on your preferred smoky intensity. Keep the temperature steady and avoid over-smoking.
- If using a smoke gun, cover the block and infuse smoke for about 5 minutes.
- Remove the smoked cream cheese from the smoker and let it cool for 10 minutes. Unwrap carefully and transfer to your serving board.
- Generously spoon the hot honey over the top, letting it pool slightly around the edges. Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs and a pinch of red pepper flakes on top.
- Arrange your favorite crackers around the cheese block and serve immediately.
Notes
If you don’t have a smoker, use liquid smoke sparingly or try stovetop smoking with wood chips. Avoid foil wrapping the cheese to allow smoke penetration. Warm hot honey slightly before drizzling for better glaze effect. Chill smoked cheese for 15 minutes if too soft before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 2 tabl
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Protein: 3
Keywords: smoked cream cheese, hot honey, crackers, savory snack, easy appetizer, smoky cheese, quick recipe, party snack