Smoked Cream Cheese with Bacon and Hot Pepper Cranberry Jelly

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This smoked cream cheese with bacon and hot pepper cranberry jelly is the ultimate sweet, salty, and smoky appetizer. Perfect for the holidays or your next backyard cookout!

Smokey Meets Sweet with a Hint of Heat!

There’s nothing quite like the magic that happens when smoky, salty, and sweet flavors collide — and this appetizer hits every note perfectly. This Smoked Cream Cheese with Bacon and Hot Pepper Cranberry Jelly is the kind of dish that turns heads at the cookout or holiday table.

Slow-smoked on the Traeger, this creamy dip picks up just the right hint of wood-fired flavor, balanced by savory bacon and a sweet-hot jelly topping. Serve it with crackers or rustic bread and watch it disappear fast!

Cream Cheese on the Smoker? Yes, Please!

If you’ve been following us a while you know that we love using cream cheese on our Traeger. We’ve got a great Smoked Cream Cheese recipe already.

So, why try a new one? This new recipe is more of a dip and incorporates one of our favorite new flavors–hot pepper cranberry jelly.

If you haven’t tried it before, this particular jelly is the perfect blend of sweet and heat. It’s also perfect for the holidays, which is why we’re sharing this recipe now, before the Thanksgiving season. (You’re welcome!)

Your family and friends will love this delicious treat, especially served before you Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

So, what are we waiting for? Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make this amazing treat!

At a Glance

Skill Level: Easy
Flavor Profile: Sweet, smoky, and savory
Best For: Holiday parties, BBQs, tailgates
Options Included: Alternative jellies, oven method

Smoked Chream Cheese Ingredients

Just three simple ingredients come together to form this great (and easy) appetizer. Talk about a simple dish!

• 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup bacon crumbles, warmed
• 6 ounces hot pepper cranberry jelly

How to Make Smoked Cream Cheese with Hot Pepper Jelly

Of all the recipes we’ve shared, this might be among the easiest! Here’s how you’re going to make it.

Preheat the Smoker:
Set your smoker to 165°F. A fruitwood or pecan pellet works beautifully for this recipe.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Base:
In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese and warm bacon crumbles.

Mix until well combined.

Shape and Score:
Spread the mixture evenly into a small baking dish or foil pan.

Use a knife to score shallow lines (about ¼ inch deep) across the top — this allows that smoky flavor to penetrate deeply.

Smoke:
Place the dish on the smoker, close the lid, and smoke for 45 minutes.

Add the Jelly:
Carefully remove the dish from the smoker. Spread the hot pepper cranberry jelly evenly across the top of the cream cheese mixture.

Finish Smoking:
Return to the smoker for another 15–20 minutes to let the flavors meld and the jelly glaze slightly.

Rest and Serve:
Let the cream cheese rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serve warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crusty bread.

What to Expect

As the cream cheese smokes, it becomes silky and rich, infused with that irresistible wood-fired aroma. The jelly melts slightly, creating a glossy, tangy-sweet glaze that pairs beautifully with the bacon’s saltiness. The end result? A decadent, crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears fast — trust us.

Tips and Variations

• Try jalapeño jelly, raspberry chipotle sauce, or pepper peach preserves for a twist.
• For a heartier dip, mix in a handful of shredded cheddar before smoking.
• Short on time? Bake this in the oven at 250°F for about 40 minutes, then broil briefly for a smoky finish.

Other Fun Appetizers from Backyard Texas Grill

If you’re looking for other delicious (and easy) appetizers, we’ve got you covered. Here are some fan favorites:

Smoked Brisket Queso: If you love chile con queso and Texas brisket, this is the recipe for you! This smoked brisket queso is thick, creamy and loaded with a delicious blend of melted cheeses, brisket, chile peppers, tomatoes and cilantro. You will love every bite!

Smoked Candied Bacon: In this post, we’ll show you how the make the best smoked candied bacon, with a delicious caramelized glaze that provides the perfect balance of sweet & savory with just the right amount of heat. You won’t be able to eat just one piece of bacon!

Smoked Pig Shots: If you’re hunting for the perfect appetizer for your next BBQ or party, you’ve come to the right place! These smoked pig shots combine the unmatchable flavors of sausage, bacon and cream cheese with a spicy kick, and they’re all wrapped up in the perfect bite!

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About the Pit Master

This recipe comes straight from the Backyard Texas Grill crew, where family, fire, and flavor come together. Whether it’s a slow-smoked brisket or a simple appetizer like this one, we believe every dish tastes better when it’s cooked low and slow — and shared with people you love.