Smoking Cream Cheese: Which Brand Wins the Flavor Test?

Smoking Cream Cheese: Which Brand Wins the Flavor Test?

Over the holidays, we had a get-together with family and friends, and one of the snacks we decided to try was smoked cream cheese. Naturally, we wanted to see if the brand of cream cheese really made a difference when smoked.

We took three popular brands — Trader Joe’s, Philadelphia, and Costco — and prepared them exactly the same way:

  • Lightly coated in olive oil

  • Sprinkled with our signature Bourbon Southwest seasoning

  • Gently smoked to infuse flavor

The twist? No one knew which brand was which. It was a true blind taste test, and we couldn’t wait to see which one would rise to the top.

Meet the Contenders

A – Trader Joe’s

  • Cracked open with a slightly yellowish interior

  • Flavor leaned a bit on the sweet side

  • Some loved it, though others thought it was too sweet

B – Philadelphia

  • Soft, soufflé-like texture

  • Absorbed the smoke perfectly

  • Paired beautifully with our Bourbon Southwest seasoning, delivering a rich, balanced flavor

  • Just tasted better than the others, making it the clear favorite

C – Costco

  • Stayed solid and didn’t open like the others

  • A few tasters appreciated its appearance and taste and it was our 2nd place winner

The Results

The winner? Overwhelmingly, Philadelphia (B).

Its soft, airy texture made it the perfect canvas for smoke and seasoning. Every bite delivered the kind of creamy, smoky flavor that makes you go back for more. Simply put — it just tasted better than the other two.

Trader Joe’s (A) had its fans for sweetness, and Costco (C) had admirers for looks, but when it came to smoked flavor, Philadelphia clearly stole the show.

Key Takeaways

If you’re planning to smoke cream cheese at home, the brand absolutely matters.

  • Softer cream cheese that melts just enough to absorb smoke will give you the best results

  • A generous sprinkle of Bourbon Southwest seasoning makes it even more irresistible 😉

  • And don’t forget, other flavors like Bourbon Bold, Lime Chili, or Lime Chipotle are also excellent choices for this recipe

Most importantly, have fun experimenting! Everyone’s taste buds are different, and trying different brands can lead to pleasant surprises.

Smoked Cream Cheese Comparison Table

Brand Appearance Texture Flavor Smoke Absorption Notes Winner?
Trader Joe’s Slightly yellowish inside Firm On the sweet side Moderate Some liked sweetness, less balanced with seasoning ❌
Philadelphia Soft, soufflé-like Airy / creamy Rich & balanced, just tasted better Excellent Perfect canvas for Bourbon Southwest seasoning ✅
Costco Solid, didn’t open Firm Neutral Low Some liked appearance, didn’t integrate with seasoning ❌

How to Smoke Cream Cheese at Home

You’ll need:

  • 3–4 oz blocks of cream cheese (softer blocks work best)

  • Olive oil (light coating)

  • Your favorite seasoning (Bourbon Southwest for this test, but Bourbon Bold, Lime Chili, or Lime Chipotle also work great)

  • Smoker or grill set to 225°F

Steps:

  1. Lightly coat all sides of each cream cheese block with olive oil.

  2. Sprinkle seasoning evenly.

  3. Place the cream cheese on aluminum foil in the smoker (a smoker-safe tray would work even better).

  4. Smoke at 225°F for 1 hour.

  5. Serve warm with crackers, meats, or veggies.