Smoked Cream Cheese with Bacon Jam is the perfect appetizer. Smoky cream cheese topped with sweet and sticky bacon jam.

This is one of my favorite recipes to make when hosting people at my house. It’s a super easy appetizer to make and the ingredients are fairly minimal.

Be sure to give Smoked Cream Cheese with Bacon Jam a try!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make smoked cream cheese with bacon jam:

1 block of cream cheese
BBQ rub (your favorite blend for seasoning)
1/2 pound of thick cut bacon
1 medium onion, diced
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
4 oz bourbon
Crackers or bread for serving

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preheat the Smoker

Begin by preheating your smoker to 250°F. For the best flavor, use cherry wood, which adds a sweet and subtle smoky profile that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese and bacon jam.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese

Take a block of cream cheese and score the top in a cross-hatch pattern. This step not only makes the cheese more visually appealing but also helps the smoke penetrate more effectively.

cream cheese scored on top. — *Photos from this recipe are from Brittany Scott (Instagram:* @the_salted_bite)

Place the seasoned cream cheese on aluminum foil, then generously sprinkle your favorite BBQ rub over the scored cream cheese, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated.

Place the seasoned cream cheese on the smoker, away from direct heat, and let it smoke for one hour.

Step 3: Make the Bacon Jam

While the cream cheese is smoking, it’s time to prepare the bacon jam—a sweet and savory topping that takes this appetizer to the next level.

Fry the Bacon
In a large skillet, fry 1/2 pound of thick cut bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and let it drain on paper towels, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
Cook the Onion
Add the diced onion to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Cook over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and caramelized.
Combine the Ingredients
Crumble the cooked bacon and return it to the skillet. Add the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and bourbon. Stir everything together, ensuring the ingredients are well combined.
Simmer and Thicken
Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces and thickens into a jam-like consistency. Once thickened, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

After one hour, remove the smoked cream cheese from the smoker. Place it on a serving platter and generously spoon the bacon jam over the top. For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a bit more maple syrup over the bacon jam.

Serve the smoked cream cheese with crackers, toasted bread, or even fresh veggies. This dish is best enjoyed warm, so encourage your guests to dig in as soon as it hits the table.

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