Cowboy Cream Cheese is a bold and savory spread that brings a spicy, herbaceous kick to crackers, burgers, and party platters alike. Creamy, punchy, and satisfying, it’s the ultimate easy appetizer.
In just 35 minutes, including chilling time, you can whip up a batch that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether for game day, picnics, or casual snacking, Cowboy Cream Cheese is sure to steal the show.
Star Players in Cowboy Cream Cheese
- Cream cheese – The rich and creamy foundation that ties all the bold flavors together.
- Whole-grain Dijon mustard – Adds a tangy, textured sharpness that cuts through the creaminess.
- Dried chives – Lend a subtle oniony flavor for an added layer of savory goodness.
- Dried parsley – Brightens the mix with a hint of herbaceous freshness.
- Dried thyme – Offers a slight earthiness, perfect for enhancing the spread’s depth.
- Garlic powder – Brings a warm, savory note that makes the flavors pop.
- Lemon juice – A touch of citrus to lift and balance the richness.
- Paprika – Infuses a gentle smokiness that rounds out the heat.
- Black pepper – Adds a peppery warmth without overwhelming the palate.
- Cayenne pepper – Delivers the spicy kick that makes this cowboy cream cheese unforgettable.
How to Whip Up This Cowboy Cream Cheese
Start by softening your cream cheese to room temperature for easy mixing. Combine it with Dijon mustard, dried herbs, lemon juice, and spices in a medium bowl. Stir or blend until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
Scoop the mixture into an airtight container and chill it for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled and enjoy with crackers, burgers, or fresh veggies!
Tips and Tricks for the Best Cowboy Cream Cheese
For the creamiest texture, always allow the cream cheese to come fully to room temperature before mixing. If you prefer a smokier flavor, consider swapping the regular paprika for smoked paprika. Want it spicier? Simply increase the cayenne pepper slightly, but taste as you go. If you’re planning to bake the spread into recipes like jalapeño poppers, you may want to skip the thyme, as its flavor can intensify too much during baking.
Feel free to get creative by mixing in extras like crumbled bacon, finely diced jalapeños, or shredded cheddar cheese for a more decadent version of Cowboy Cream Cheese.
How to Store Your Cowboy Cream Cheese Like a Pro
After preparing your cowboy cream cheese, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 5 days. If you want to prep it even further ahead, you can also freeze it for up to a month — just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving, giving it a good stir to restore its creamy texture.
Ready to spread, dip, and enjoy your new favorite party hero?
Cowboy Cream Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 block 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried chives
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon whole-grain Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme*
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with whole-grain Dijon mustard, dried chives, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, lemon juice, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until the mixture achieves a smooth and creamy consistency. For expedited mixing, a food processor may be employed. Transfer the prepared spread into an airtight container and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop fully.
Leave a Reply