If you’re on the lookout for an exquisite appetizer to elevate your next Christmas party, our Cheese Ball recipe is the answer. Crafted with a blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, savory bacon, green onions, and pecans, this appetizer promises a classic taste that’s sure to delight your guests.
Discover the Irresistible Charm of Cheese Balls
Lately, my culinary obsession has revolved around the delectable world of cheese balls. These delightful treats are not only delicious but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Offering a quick and easy preparation, cheese balls stand out as beautiful appetizers, making them a fantastic addition to any holiday menu.
Cheese Ball Ingredients
To recreate this culinary masterpiece, gather the following ingredients:
- Cheeses: Utilize softened cream cheese and sharp cheddar cheese for a smooth and well-incorporated texture. Feel free to opt for mild or medium cheddar based on your taste preference.
- Bacon: Incorporate cooked and crumbled bacon both inside and outside the cheese ball for that perfect salty flavor complementing the other ingredients.
- Pecans: Add finely chopped pecans to the mix, providing a delightful crunch. Alternatively, try walnuts or cashews for a unique twist.
- Dry Ranch Seasoning: Opt for either store-bought or homemade dry ranch seasoning to enhance the overall flavor profile.
How to Serve Your Culinary Masterpiece
Once assembled, serving the cheese ball is a breeze. Place it on a plate accompanied by a cheese spreader or knife and an array of dipping options. Ritz crackers, Wheat Thins, and pretzel crisps are my preferred choices, but bagel chips, pita chips, and toasted baguettes are equally excellent.
Can You Make Mini Cheese Balls?
Absolutely! Transform this cheese ball into individual-sized portions and serve them with toothpicks or pretzel sticks for easy sharing. Don’t forget to provide an assortment of dipping options to enhance the experience.
Proper Storage Tips
For any leftover cheese ball, store it in the refrigerator, covered or loosely rewrapped in plastic wrap. Enjoy it within a week, keeping in mind that the nuts may lose some crunchiness over time.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 g) bacon, cooked, finely crumbled, divided (approximately 1½ cups)
- 2 blocks (8 ounces each or 227 g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (57.5 g) sour cream, at room temperature
- 2 cups (226 g) sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded, divided
- ¼ cup (25 g) green onions, finely chopped, divided
- ½ cup (54.5 g) pecans, finely chopped, divided
- 3 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine ¾ cup of crumbled bacon, softened cream cheese, room temperature sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 3 tablespoons of chopped green onion, ¼ cup of finely chopped pecans, dry ranch seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, combine the remaining bacon, shredded cheese, chopped green onion, finely chopped pecans, and dried parsley. Spread the mixture onto a cutting board or baking sheet in an even layer.
- Using a spatula or greased hands, shape the cream cheese mixture into a ball.
- Pick up the cheese ball and roll it onto the remaining bacon mixture until all sides are evenly coated.
- Serve your gourmet creation with crackers or pretzels and enjoy!
