Description
Cowboy Cream Cheese is a creamy and tangy spread that combines softened cream cheese with spicy peppers and savory seasonings. Perfect for parties or cozy nights in, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Start by gathering all your ingredients on a clean countertop. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature, so it’s easy to mix. This typically takes about 30 minutes if you take it out of the fridge first.
- In a medium mixing bowl, place the softened cream cheese and add 1 tablespoon of whole-grain Dijon mustard. Use a spatula to blend the mustard into the cream cheese until they are fully combined. You want a smooth consistency without lumps. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Next, add 1 teaspoon of dried chives, 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, ½ teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to the bowl. Stir these spices into the mixture until they are evenly distributed. The aroma should be inviting and fragrant.
- Now, pour in 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly for another 1-2 minutes. Be sure to taste as you go to adjust any flavors to your liking — maybe you want it spicier or a bit more tangy!
- Once everything is well combined, transfer the Cowboy Cream Cheese into an airtight container. Smooth the top with the spatula to ensure even coverage. This helps with the cooling process in the fridge.
- Refrigerate the spread for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste. When you’re ready to serve, you should find it firm yet spreadable.
- Before serving, give your Cowboy Cream Cheese a good stir. This redistributes any settled spices and ensures each bite is packed with flavor. Serve it with your favorite crackers, veggies, or even as a burger topping!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps. You can use a food processor for a smoother texture, and feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper based on your heat tolerance.