Introduction

Cowboy Cream Cheese is a flavorful, spicy spread perfect for snacks and appetizers. Its blend of herbs and spices gives it a bold kick that’s sure to impress your guests or add a tasty twist to your everyday crackers and veggies.

A black bowl filled with a creamy, thick white spread mixed with small green herbs and specks of black pepper throughout. The spread is swirled smoothly on top with visible texture and small peaks. It is garnished with several fresh green herb sprigs and a light dusting of ground black pepper on the surface. The bowl sits on a wooden board with scattered coarse salt and small green herb pieces around it. A round wooden bowl with black peppercorns is placed near the top edge of the board, all set against a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 tablespoon whole-grain Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried chives
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon dried thyme*
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, dried chives, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, lemon juice, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Step 2: Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy. For quicker blending, you can use a food processor.
Step 3: Transfer the cowboy cream cheese into an airtight container.
Step 4: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Tips & Variations

Thyme is optional; add it when serving the cream cheese cold, but skip it if you plan to bake the spread, as the flavor can become too strong when cooked.
For an extra kick, increase the cayenne pepper slightly, or add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.
Serve with fresh veggies, crackers, or use as a filling for jalapeño poppers for a smoky twist.

Storage

Store the cowboy cream cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before serving, bring it to room temperature for easier spreading. If it thickens after refrigeration, stirring it well will restore its creamy texture.

How to Serve

A close-up top view of a black bowl filled with a creamy spread that is off-white with small green herbs and specks of black pepper mixed in. The spread is swirled smoothly with a small scoop taken out from the center. To the left, there is a slice of toasted bread with the same creamy spread evenly spread on top, decorated with some small green herbs. On the right side, an old silver knife with a black handle rests on a wooden board, carrying a smear of the spread. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, fresh herbs can be used; however, use about three times the amount of fresh herbs to match the flavor intensity of dried ones. Make sure to finely chop them before mixing.

Is this spread suitable for baking?

This cream cheese spread can be used in baked dishes like jalapeño poppers. Note that if baking, you might want to omit thyme to avoid an overpowering taste.