Smoked Everything Bagel Cream Cheese with Chili Jam
Ultra easy and SUPER delicious!
This warm, smoky, and savory appetizer pairs rich cream cheese with a crunchy everything bagel crust and a sweet-spicy chili jam finish.
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 2 hours | Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
Cream cheese: 1 block (8 oz), full-fat
Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
Everything bagel seasoning: 2–3 tablespoons
House of Challah Roasted Hatch Chili jam: ¼ cup (or sweet chili sauce/pepper jelly)
Crackers: For serving (wheat, pita chips, or crostini)
Instructions
Chill the cheese: Keep the cream cheese block in the refrigerator until right before prep so it stays firm.
Preheat the smoker: Set your smoker to 225°F (107°C) using a mild wood like apple, cherry, or pecan.
Oil the block: Place the chilled cream cheese onto a baking pan—it’s easiest to use a pan you can smoke on AND serve on. Coat all sides lightly with olive oil.
Score the top: Use a sharp knife to cut a shallow criss-cross diamond pattern on the top surface of the cheese, about ¼-inch deep.
Season completely: Generously coat all sides of the block with the everything bagel seasoning, pressing gently so it sticks.
Smoke: Place the pan directly onto the smoker grates. Smoke at 225°F for 2 hours until the cheese expands slightly and develops a golden crust.
Sauce and serve: Remove from the smoker. Pour the chili jam over the hot cream cheese and serve immediately with your choice of crackers.
