Description

This Smoked Cream Cheese with Hot Honey and Bacon is an irresistible appetizer perfect for parties or backyard barbecues. The creamy, smoky cheese is topped with crispy bacon and a drizzle of sweet and spicy hot honey for a flavorful bite served with crackers or chips.

Ingredients

Scale

1 block cream cheese
1/4 lb bacon
2 tbsp BBQ rub (your favorite)
3 tbsp hot honey
Crackers or chips for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the Smoker

Preheat Smoker: Preheat your smoker (e.g., Kamado Joe) to 275°F (135°C) using cherry wood for a sweet smoke flavor.

Prepare the Cream Cheese

Score the Cream Cheese: Use a sharp knife to score the cream cheese in a crosshatch pattern.
Season: Rub all sides of the cream cheese with your favorite BBQ rub. Place on a small aluminum foil-lined sheet pan.

Smoke the Cream Cheese

Smoke: Place the cream cheese on the smoker and smoke for 1 hour, allowing it to absorb the smoky flavor and develop a golden, slightly charred exterior.

Prepare the Bacon

Cook Bacon: Fry the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels and finely chop.

Assemble and Serve

Top and Drizzle: Remove the cream cheese from the smoker. Top with chopped crispy bacon and drizzle generously with hot honey.
Serve: Pair with crackers or chips for dipping and enjoy!

Notes

Wood Choice: Cherry wood adds a sweet smoke, but apple or hickory can be used for a different flavor.
Hot Honey Substitute: If you don’t have hot honey, mix regular honey with a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes.
Make Ahead: Cook the bacon and prep the cream cheese ahead of time. Assemble and smoke just before serving.