This variation on a traditional cheese ball is fantastic! A bacon pecan crust is rolled around a flavorful cream cheese and cheddar base.
Cheese Ball contains a ton of flavor and all the essential elements, making it ideal for sprinkling on chips, crackers, and vegetables.
A Classic with Good Cause
There’s a good reason why cheese balls have been around for so long.
- So much taste and cheesy bliss!
- Due to the fact that it may be prepared in advance, it is ideal for gatherings.
- You can customize this dish by including your favorite herbs, cheeses, and seasonings.
- It requires no baking and is simple to make.
- It’s not only a dip; spread it on a bagel or sandwich, include it in a wrap with ham, or melt it with some milk to make a delicious pasta sauce!
Creating a Cheese Ball
Making cheese balls is simple. Serve with crostini and more parsley or green onion garnishes!
- cream cheese and seasonings are combined (per the recipe below).
- Fold in half the bacon bits and the cheddar cheese. Cover and let stand.
- Roll the cream mixture into a ball (or a cheese log) once it has chilled (to help it keep its shape) and then roll it in the bacon-pecan topping.
- Relax once more.
Serving Advice
About 30 minutes before serving, take the cheese ball out of the refrigerator. As a result, it becomes sufficiently soft for dipping.
Include a butter knife with the dish if you’re serving the meal with delicate crackers or chips.
Tips for Planning Ahead
Anytime the occasion calls for a delectable snack, prepare traditional cheese balls in advance and bring them to a picnic or party!
- If firmly wrapped, it can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two weeks (before rolling in the coating).
- Freeze for up to two months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Cheese Ball Recipe
Cheese balls are incredibly simple to prepare and taste delicious! For a popular appetizer, serve with crackers or vegetables.
ten minutes to prepare
fifteen minutes to cook chill out: 2 hours 30 minutes 2 hours 55 minutes in total portions: 24 portions |
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 1 green onion thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese finely shredded
- ¾ cup bacon bits or crumbled bacon, divided
- ½ cup pecans
- 1 tablespoon parsley finely chopped
Instructions for Cheese Ball
- Pecans should be baked for 5-7 minutes at 350°F or until aromatic. Chop after complete cooling.
- In the meantime, whip the cream cheese in a bowl with a hand mixer until it is frothy.
- Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, green onion, and sour cream should be added. Blend until smooth. Add the cheddar cheese and half a cup of bacon bits. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours or for two hours.
- Take it out of the refrigerator, then roll it into a ball. On a small plate, mix the remaining 1/4 cup of bacon, the chopped nuts, and the parsley. In the mixture, roll the cheeseball and press firmly to adhere. For at least 30 minutes, refrigerate.
- At least 15 minutes before serving, take the food out of the refrigerator.
Notes
- First, soften the cream cheese (this can also be done in the microwave for about 10 seconds or so).
- The best flavor comes from sharp cheddar.
- The ingredients in this recipe can optionally be swapped out for a packet of ranch dressing.
- If using actual bacon pieces from the store, reheat them in the microwave on a paper towel until crisp and cool.
The cheese mixture must be chilled before being rolled into a ball; otherwise, it won’t maintain its shape.
Prepare the it but do not roll in the topping to make it ahead of time. For up to a month, wrap in plastic wrap and freeze. In the refrigerator, thaw overnight. Roll in pecan mixture as instructed after defrosting.
Nutrition information
Serving: 2tablespoons | Calories: 140 | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 185mg | Potassium: 68mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 387IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 92mg | Iron: 1mg