Tailgating Is Back! Dub Shack BBQ Smokes Cream Cheese

For the football tailgate parties, baby showers, stuffing for those jalapeno peppers, a smoky taste for bagels, or simply a slow Saturday afternoon, smoked cream cheese takes a breakfast staple to another level as an anytime snack. Guess what?  It’s also a keto-friendly recipe.

Ingredients

·         Philadelphia cream cheese (store brands work as well although Philadelphia gives a more definite texture)

·         Olive oil

·         BBQ rub of your choice

STEP ONE. Unwrap the block of cream cheese and place them in aluminum foil boats. As they sit patiently for the smoker or indirect grill, spray the olive oil on and add your chosen rub. Many of you know that I like Killer Hogs’ The BBQ Rub but that barbecue rub is immaterial for this relatively quick smoke; therefore, make it your own. Those of you on the keto diet can use your homemade rub.

STEP TWO. You don’t have to clear out the offset smoker for this one as a two-zone fire suffices, so light your charcoals and a few smaller cherry wood chunks. The name of the game is not to overpower the cheese with smoke as much as give it an extra flavor as a balance. Try it with a softer fruit wood such as peach or apple if cherry isn’t your jam, and certainly maple would also make the mark. Once the cooker hits 225 degrees, put both blocks of cream cheese on the side opposite the coals and let them work their magic. Check back after thirty minutes; the cheese will let us know that it is done when it starts to split.

In the miracle of time (45 minutes), this and the other block of cream cheese were finished 

STEP THREE. Here is the best part:  Serve immediately with crackers or chips or add it as a filler for those jalapenos bound to be quickly grilled.

You didn't think I would let a barbecue trend pass without my own touch, did you? This turned out to be really awesome - ask my neighbors - and is really simple to do. For anything else you want to see your friendly pitmaster make, send a shout. As always, be blessed, stay safe, and thanks for reading and spread the word that every day is a GREAT day for barbecue!