Cowboy Cream Cheese Spread

Name: Cowboy Cream Cheese Spread
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: PT-486243H48M14S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup cooked bacon, chopped (or bacon bits); 1/4 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled); 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper; 2 tablespoons green onions, finely sliced; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; Optional garnish: extra chopped green onions, jalapeños, shredded cheese, or bacon

Posted on May 14, 2025

Creamy Cowboy Spread with Bacon, Jalapeños, and Cheddar – Easy Appetizer Dip

Dinner

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If you love creamy dips with a kick, this Cowboy Cream Cheese Spread is about to be your new go-to! It’s rich, savory, slightly spicy, and bursting with bold flavors—perfect for game days, backyard BBQs, or any time you need a quick and crowd-pleasing snack. You only need a few ingredients and 10 minutes to throw it together, but it tastes like you spent way longer.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Cream Cheese Spread

This recipe checks all the boxes—easy, delicious, and totally customizable. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need something quick for family snack time, this spread is always a hit. The creamy base pairs perfectly with the smoky, spicy add-ins, and you can make it as mild or wild as you like. No fancy kitchen skills needed—just mix, chill, and serve.

Ingredients for Cowboy Cream Cheese Spread

This spread comes together with a handful of bold, flavorful ingredients that you can find at any grocery store. Feel free to adjust based on your taste or what’s in your pantry!

You’ll Need:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup cooked bacon, chopped (or bacon bits)
1/4 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
2 tablespoons green onions, finely sliced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky twist)
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional for garnish:

Extra chopped green onions or jalapeños
A sprinkle of shredded cheese or bacon on top

How to Make Cowboy Cream Cheese Spread

Making this creamy, zesty spread is as easy as mix, chill, and serve! You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a bowl, a spoon, and a love for bold flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Soften the cream cheese
Let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes so it’s easier to mix.
Combine the base ingredients
In a medium bowl, add the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir until smooth and well combined.
Mix in the goodies
Fold in the bacon, jalapeños, red bell pepper, and green onions. Stir gently to evenly distribute all the chunky, flavorful bits.
Taste and season
Add salt and pepper to taste. Want more heat? Toss in a few extra jalapeños!
Chill (if you can wait!)
For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let everything meld. But if you’re in a rush—go ahead and dig in!
Garnish & serve
Right before serving, top with a little extra cheese, bacon, or green onions for a pop of color and flavor. Serve with crackers, chips, or veggie sticks.

Servings and Timing

This dip is fast, fuss-free, and made to share—which is why it’s a party favorite!

Servings:

This recipe makes about 1½ cups of spread, which is perfect for 6–8 people as an appetizer or snack.

Timing:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time (optional but recommended): 30 minutes
Total Time: 10–40 minutes (depending on chill time)

Tips and Variations

Make this Cowboy Cream Cheese Spread your own! It’s super adaptable and just as tasty with a few tweaks or extra flair.

Tips:

Use whipped cream cheese for an ultra-light, airy texture.
Let it chill—even 30 minutes in the fridge helps the flavors blend beautifully.
Finely chop your add-ins to make the spread easier to scoop and spread.

Variations:

Add corn: Stir in 1/4 cup of canned or roasted corn for a sweet crunch.
Go Tex-Mex: Mix in taco seasoning instead of paprika for a different vibe.
Spice it up: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
Make it a dip: Stir in 1/4 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt to make it softer and more scoopable.

Storage

Leftovers? Lucky you! This Cowboy Cream Cheese Spread keeps well and tastes even better the next day.

How to Store:

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container.
It will stay fresh for up to 4–5 days in the fridge.
Give it a good stir before serving again, as some separation may occur.

Freezing:

Not recommended. Cream cheese tends to change texture when frozen and thawed—best to enjoy this dip fresh or refrigerated.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge. Make it the day before and chill until ready to serve.

2. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Absolutely! Low-fat or even whipped cream cheese works well—just expect a slightly lighter texture.

3. What can I use instead of bacon?
Try chopped turkey bacon, plant-based bacon, or even crispy fried onions for a similar crunch and flavor.

4. Is this spread spicy?
It has a mild kick from the jalapeños. To tone it down, use less or swap for mild green chiles.

5. Can I make this a warm dip?
Totally! Spread it in a small baking dish and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and warm.

6. What should I serve it with?
Crackers, tortilla chips, celery sticks, mini bell peppers, or toasted baguette slices are all perfect dippers.

7. Can I double the recipe for a party?
Yes, just double all the ingredients—it scales up beautifully and still comes together quickly.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this Cowboy Cream Cheese Spread is the perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, and spicy goodness. It’s a total flavor bomb that comes together in minutes—no cooking required! Pin it, save it, and share it, because once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat for parties, picnics, and late-night snacking.

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Cowboy Cream Cheese Spread

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Cream Cheese Spread