Smoked Cream Cheese Football Charcuterie Board
A flavorful and easy smoked cream cheese football-shaped charcuterie board perfect for game day snacks, combining smoky, creamy cheese with bold flavors and crunchy accompaniments.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz (450g) full fat cream cheese, softened
- Hickory or applewood wood chips for smoking
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Assorted crackers and breadsticks
- Cured meats such as salami, prosciutto, or pepperoni (optional)
- Fresh veggies like celery sticks, baby carrots, and sliced bell peppers
- Pickles and olives
- Mustard or honey (small bowl for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F (107°C). Soak wood chips for 30 minutes if desired, then add to smoker box or coals. Allow temperature to stabilize for about 15 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and chopped chives. Mix thoroughly for about 5 minutes.
- Lay out plastic wrap on the counter. Spoon the cream cheese mixture onto the plastic and shape it roughly into a football shape (oval with pointed ends). Wrap tightly and smooth the surface, about 5 minutes.
- Place the wrapped cream cheese on the smoker grate and smoke for 30-40 minutes, maintaining steady temperature. The cheese will absorb smoke and develop a light golden hue without melting.
- Remove the smoked cream cheese from the smoker, unwrap, and place on a serving board. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
- Assemble the charcuterie board by arranging the smoked cream cheese football on a platter surrounded by assorted crackers, sliced cured meats, fresh veggies, pickles, and a small bowl of mustard or honey for dipping.
Notes
Keep smoking temperature low and steady to avoid melting the cream cheese. Soak wood chips for cleaner smoke. Wrap cream cheese tightly to maintain shape. Refrigerate if cheese becomes too soft. For gluten-free guests, use gluten-free crackers or breadsticks. Vegan smoked cream cheese alternatives can be used but texture will differ. Avoid microwaving leftovers to prevent separation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/8 of the smo
- Calories: 225
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 7
Keywords: smoked cream cheese, charcuterie board, game day snacks, football shaped cheese, easy appetizer, smoky cheese spread