Smoky Cheese Spread Recipes

SMOKED CHEDDAR CHEESE

Steps:

• Set up your smoker to maintain a temperature of less than 90°F (32°C). It's imperative that the heat be no higher than 90°F (32°C) to prevent the cheese from melting.
• To create cold smoke, place the cheese on the grate of your smoker. Set three lit charcoal briquettes flat in the charcoal pan or firebox of your smoker. Place a flat wood chunk on top of the charcoal to create smoke. Provide a little airflow and replace the charcoal and/or wood chunks as needed to keep the smoke going for the desired period of time.
• Place the blocks of cheese directly on the grate and apply light smoke for about 4 hours.
• Remove the cheese from the grate and place it in a resealable plastic bag. Store the smoked cheese in the refrigerator for 2 weeks before indulging to allow the smoke flavor to permeate the cheese and even mature slightly. (If you simply can't wait 2 weeks, no one's going to tattle on you. But just know that the smoke flavor will be more pronounced and even somewhat bitter or, dare we say, acrid. If you can resist temptation, a perceived virtue that we usually find to be highly overrated, you'll be rewarded with a more mellow smoke flavor.)

SMOKED SALMON SPREAD

Steps:

• Cream the cheese in an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until just smooth. Add the sour cream, lemon juice, dill, horseradish, salt, and pepper, and mix. Add the smoked salmon and mix well. Chill and serve with crudites or crackers.
• If you can find it, I prefer Norwegian salmon; it's drier and less salty than other smoked salmon.

THE BEST SMOKED SALMON SPREAD

Steps:

• Process cream cheese in a food processor to soften completely; add salmon, capers, green onion, dill, cream, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, and lemon juice. Process the mixture again until creamy and smooth.

SMOKED SALMON CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• Place the first seven ingredients in a food processor; process until blended. Transfer to a serving dish; sprinkle with walnuts and dill. Refrigerate, covered, until serving. Serve with crackers.

SMOKY SALMON SPREAD

Steps:

• Drain and flake the salmon into a bowl; reserve 1 teaspoon of the salmon liquid. In another bowl, mash the cream cheese, liquid smoke flavor, and the reserved salmon liquid until thoroughly combined; stir in the green onion and horseradish. Gently mix with the flaked salmon, and refrigerate at least 2 hours. If desired, form the spread into a ball, and roll in chopped parsley.