Amazing cheese ball recipe: 15 minute prep
This is a classic, crowd-pleasing cheese ball recipe, perfect for your next party or holiday gathering. It is simple to prepare, using a creamy base and coated in crunchy pecans and savory bacon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for bacon)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 large cheese ball (about 16 servings)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing and Shaping
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped cooked bacon (for coating)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup crumbled bacon, chives, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
- Mix the ingredients well until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Shape the mixture into a ball.
- In a shallow dish, combine the 1/2 cup chopped pecans and the 2 tablespoons of bacon reserved for coating.
- Roll the cheese ball in the pecan and bacon mixture until it is completely coated.
- Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow it to firm up before serving.
- Serve chilled with crackers or vegetable sticks.
Notes
- Make this recipe ahead of time; it tastes best after chilling for several hours.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or finely chopped parsley for a different texture.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/16 of recipe
- Calories: Approx. 120
- Sugar: Approx. 1g
- Sodium: Approx. 180mg
- Fat: Approx. 10g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 5g
- Trans Fat: Approx. 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 2g
- Fiber: Approx. 0g
- Protein: Approx. 5g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 25mg