Name: Cowboy Cream Cheese Spread
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
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 (optional); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

A bold, zesty, and savory spread that packs a punch, this Cowboy Cream Cheese Spread blends the creamy richness of cheese with tangy Dijon, aromatic herbs, and a fiery touch of cayenne. It’s the kind of quick, flavorful appetizer I keep in my back pocket for parties, burger nights, or snacking with crackers and veggies.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 tablespoon whole‑grain Dijon mustard

½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

1 teaspoon dried chives

1 teaspoon dried parsley

½ teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon lemon juice

½ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions

I start by placing the softened cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl.

Then, I add in the mustard, chives, parsley, thyme (if I’m using it), garlic powder, lemon juice, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne.

I mix everything together until it’s smooth and fully blended.

Once it’s ready, I cover it and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. That way, the flavors really come together.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 1 cup of spread, or roughly 8 servings (about 2 tablespoons per serving).

Prep time: 5 minutes

Chill time: 30 minutes

Total time: 35 minutes

Calories: Approximately 103 kcal per 2-tablespoon serving

Variations

Add bacon bits: I sometimes mix in crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky, meaty version.

Make it fresh: Fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley work beautifully if I have them on hand.

Spice it up: If I want extra heat, I add a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch more cayenne.

Zesty version: I’ve swapped lemon juice for lime juice in the past—it gives a fun citrusy twist.

Smoked version: A touch of smoked paprika instead of regular adds a deeper, smokier flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I keep any leftover spread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Since it’s a cold spread, I never reheat it, but I like to let it sit out for a few minutes before serving again so it softens just a bit for easier spreading.

FAQs

How spicy is this spread?

It has a gentle kick from cayenne and paprika, but I can easily adjust the heat by using less or leaving the cayenne out altogether.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely—I often make it a day in advance. In fact, the flavor improves as it sits in the fridge.

What can I serve this with?

I love serving it with crackers, pretzels, veggie sticks, or even spreading it on sandwiches or burgers.

Can I freeze it?

I don’t recommend freezing this spread because cream cheese can change texture when thawed. It’s best fresh from the fridge.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, I’ve used low-fat versions and it works fine, though the spread might be slightly less creamy.

Conclusion

This Cowboy Cream Cheese Spread is the kind of no-fuss recipe I always turn to when I need something fast, bold, and full of flavor. Whether I’m hosting friends or just need something to jazz up a weekday lunch, it always hits the spot.

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