This Cowboy Cream Cheese Ball is bold, flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s based on my classic Cowboy Cream Cheese, with pepperjack cheese, spices, and a hint of heat, topped with crispy bacon, crunchy French’s onions, and fresh chives for the ultimate appetizer. Perfect for holiday parties, game days, or any gathering where you want something creamy, savory, and easy to make ahead. And, for another crowd favorite, check out my classic cheese ball recipe; it always disappears fast!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Cream Cheese: Soften the cream cheese to room temperature before starting this recipe. Use full-fat for the creamiest texture; Neufchâtel can be used for a lighter version.
- Pepperjack Cheese: Adds a little spice and richness. If you prefer a milder flavor, try cheddar.
- Dijon Mustard: Gives tang and depth. If you don’t have Dijon mustard, use whole-grain or yellow mustard.
- Dried Chives, Parsley, Thyme: If you don’t have dried herbs, fresh can be used (about 1 tablespoon each, chopped).
- Garlic Powder & Lemon Juice: Enhance flavor. Minced garlic can be used, too, in a pinch.
- Paprika, Black Pepper, Cayenne: Provide smoky warmth and a little heat. Adjust cayenne for more or less spice.
- Topping: Crispy bacon (check out how to bake bacon), French’s onions, and fresh chives. Swap the bacon for turkey bacon for a leaner option, or add finely chopped nuts for crunch.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and assemble the cheese ball up to 1 day in advance. Keep it wrapped and chilled until ready to serve.
Can I make it spicier or milder?
Absolutely! Adjust the cayenne pepper to taste, or add extra pepperjack for more heat. For a milder version, use cheddar instead of pepperjack and reduce cayenne.
Can I freeze the cheese ball?
No, I would not recommend freezing the cheese ball, as the texture of the cream cheese can become grainy after thawing.
Can I use different toppings?
Yes! Swap the bacon and French’s onions for crushed nuts, toasted seeds, or even finely chopped herbs for a different flavor and texture.
Serving Ideas
- Serve on a festive platter surrounded by crackers, pita chips, pretzels, or sliced French baguette.
- Include alongside fresh vegetables like celery, bell peppers, and cucumber for a lighter option. It’s a great addition to add alongside your vegetable tray.
- Pair with a charcuterie board of cured meats and cheeses for a party spread.
How To Store Cowboy Cream Cheese Ball
Refrigerator: Keep wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Tip: Allow to come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: Not recommended, as the cream cheese texture may become grainy after thawing.
Cowboy Cream Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 2 blocks (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups (226 g) pepperjack 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
Topping
- 5 slices bacon, cooked, finely crumbled
- ½ cup French's crispy fried onions, finely crumbled
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, pepperjack cheese, Dijon mustard, dried chives, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, lemon juice, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, combine the bacon, French’s onions, and chives. Pour the mixture onto a cutting board or baking sheet, and spread it into an even layer.
- Using a spatula or greased hands, form the cream cheese mixture into a ball.
- Pick up the cheese ball. Roll it onto the bacon mixture until all sides are evenly coated.
- Place the cheese ball onto the sheet of plastic wrap. Bring the edges of the plastic wrap together to seal the cheeseball. Allow to chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour, or until firm.
- When ready, let the cheese ball sit out at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. Serve with crackers or pretzels.
Did you make this recipe?
You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
You can't go wrong with a cheese ball, and it is delicious with our cowboy cream cheese. Excellent!
Elizabeth
I love our cowboy cream cheese, so putting it into a cheese ball is a wonderful idea! I love the bacon and crispy fried onions as the topping.
Stephanie
Easy to make ahead and looks impressive on a party platter.
Bella
This is bold and flavorful with just the right amount of spice. Perfect for game day or holidays!
I’m going to have to make it
This is a great recipe for anytime of the year and any event. This is one recipe that you need to make. Enjoy!!!!
Yum
Instead of a ball, can I make this into a dip? Thanks!
Hi! Yes, you can definitely turn this into a dip.
Just skip the chilling-and-shaping step and mix everything together until smooth. If you want it a little looser and more “dippable,” you can add:
1-2 tablespoons milk
OR
1-2 tablespoons sour cream
…until it reaches the texture you like.
Same flavor, just scoopable instead of shaped!
I haven’t made this but I can already tell by all the ingredients that it’s going to be a 5 star hit! I plan on making this for the superbowl but instead of one giant ball I think I’ll use my 1” cookie scoop and make mini cheese balls and serve them in little plastic cups as mini charcuteries along with veggies and crackers