Smoked Cream Cheese with Bacon Jam
Smoked Cream Cheese with Bacon Jam is the perfect appetizer. Smoky cream cheese topped with sweet and sticky bacon jam.
Ingredients
- 1block of cream cheese
- bbq rub
your favorite blend for seasoning
- ½ lbthick cut bacon
- 1 mediumonion
diced
- ¼ cbrown sugar
- ¼ capple cider vinegar
- ½ cpure maple syrup
- 4 ozbourbon
- crackers or bread for serving
Directions
- 1
Preheat the smoker to 250°F using cherry wood for sweet smoke flavor.
- 2
Score the cream cheese in a cross hatch then generously season it with a BBQ rub.
- 3
Place the cream cheese on the smoker indirect of the heat for 1 hour.
- 4
Make the bacon jam by frying up 1/2 pound of thick cut bacon until crispy then remove.
- 5
Cook a diced onion in a skillet for 10 minutes on medium low heat with 2 tbsp of bacon for 10 minutes until softened.
- 6
Add the cooked bacon back into the skillet then add: 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup and 4 oz of bourbon.
- 7
Cook down for 10 minutes until it thickens then remove from heat.
- 8
Remove the cream cheese, then top with the bacon jam and more maple syrup. Serve with crackers then enjoy!
About this Recipe
Elevate your appetizer game with Smoked Cream Cheese with Bacon Jam, an undeniably delicious and surprisingly simple dish that’s guaranteed to be the star of any gathering. This recipe takes creamy, tangy cream cheese and infuses it with an irresistible smoky depth, then crowns it with a homemade, sweet, and savory bacon jam. It's the ultimate flavor combination!
Why You'll Love This Smoked Cream Cheese Appetizer
Forget basic cheese and crackers. Our smoked cream cheese recipe transforms a humble block into a gourmet delight. The low and slow smoking process gives the cream cheese a delicate, savory char that complements its richness beautifully. But the true magic happens when you spoon generous dollops of our homemade bacon jam on top. Made with thick-cut bacon, caramelized onions, brown sugar, pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of bourbon, this sticky, sweet, and savory topping is utterly addictive.
Tips for Perfect Smoked Cream Cheese and Bacon Jam
Creating this show-stopping appetizer is easier than you think. For the smoked cream cheese, don't skimp on the BBQ rub; it adds another layer of flavor and a beautiful crust. Scoring the top of the cream cheese before smoking helps infuse more smoky goodness. When making the bacon jam, patience is key. Allow the bacon to render slowly until crisp, and let those onions caramelize deeply for maximum sweetness. The bourbon adds a sophisticated kick, but feel free to adjust to your preference.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This smoked cream cheese and bacon jam appetizer is incredibly versatile.
- Serve it warm with an array of dippers like crispy crackers, toasted baguette slices, or pretzel thins.
- For a lighter option, try it with apple slices or celery sticks.
- Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the bacon jam for a subtle heat.
- Herb Infusion: Mix fresh chives or rosemary into the cream cheese before smoking.
- Cheese swap: Experiment with a blend of cream cheese and goat cheese for a tangier profile.
No matter how you serve it, this smoky, sweet, and savory appetizer is sure to impress your guests and become a staple in your entertaining repertoire.