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Cowboy Cream Cheese Ball

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This Cowboy Cream Cheese Ball is a bold, creamy appetizer packed with zesty spices, shredded pepper jack cheese, and crunchy toppings like crispy fried onions and turkey bacon. It’s the perfect make-ahead party dip that brings rustic charm and rich flavor to any gathering—whether it’s a holiday, potluck, game day, or casual BBQ. Easy to shape, chill, and serve, it pairs beautifully with crackers, pretzels, or veggie sticks.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cheese Ball:

2 blocks (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened to room temperature

2 cups (226 g) pepper jack cheese, finely shredded

2 tablespoons whole-grain Dijon mustard

2 teaspoons dried chives

2 teaspoons dried parsley

½ teaspoon dried thyme

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)

For the Topping:

5 slices turkey bacon, cooked until crispy, finely crumbled

½ cup French’s crispy fried onions, finely crushed

1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Base

  • In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and shredded pepper jack cheese.

  • Add the Dijon mustard, dried chives, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, lemon juice, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).

  • Stir thoroughly with a spatula or hand mixer until fully combined and smooth.

Step 2: Prepare the Topping

  • In a separate bowl, mix together the crumbled turkey bacon, crispy fried onions, and fresh chives.

  • Spread the mixture evenly onto a cutting board or baking sheet.

Step 3: Form the Cheese Ball

  • Use clean, greased hands or a spatula to form the cheese mixture into a ball.

  • Roll the ball in the topping mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks and covers all sides evenly.

Step 4: Wrap and Chill

  • Transfer the coated cheese ball onto a sheet of plastic wrap.

  • Wrap it tightly, shaping as needed.

  • Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until firm.

Step 5: Serve

  • Remove the cheese ball from the fridge about 15 minutes before serving.

  • Unwrap and transfer to a serving plate.

  • Serve with crackers, pretzels, or fresh veggie sticks.

Notes

  • Make it milder: Omit cayenne or use a milder cheese like Monterey Jack.

  • Make it spicier: Add diced jalapeños or chipotle powder to the mix.

  • Vegetarian option: Skip the turkey bacon or use plant-based bacon crumbles.

  • Make-ahead tip: Prepare the cheese ball 1–2 days in advance and store in the fridge. Add toppings just before serving if needed for extra crunch.

  • Freezer-friendly: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Find it online: https://claradelish.com/cowboy-cream-cheese-ball/