Easy Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball: Delicious Recipe!

What You’ll Need for This Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients. This is a super simple recipe, so you probably have most of these things in your fridge already. If you love this **cheese ball recipe**, you might also enjoy my no-bake pumpkin cheesecake balls; they’re always a welcome treat.

Here’s what you’ll need to make your very own delicious Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: I always use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and texture. It makes the Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball extra creamy.
• 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: I prefer sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but you can use mild or medium cheddar if you prefer. I buy the block and shred it myself; it melts better than the pre-shredded stuff.
• 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded: This adds a nice, mild flavor and helps to balance the sharpness of the cheddar. Again, shred it yourself for the best results.
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Cook your bacon until it’s nice and crispy. I like to cook mine in the oven – it’s less messy than frying it on the stovetop. Make sure you drain the bacon thoroughly, you don’t want a greasy Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: This adds a little tang and helps to bind the ingredients together. You can use plain Greek yogurt as a substitute if you’re trying to lighten things up a bit.
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions: These add a fresh, mild onion flavor.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For that extra touch of savory goodness.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A little bit of pepper goes a long way in enhancing the flavors.
• 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted (optional): I always toast my pecans before chopping them. It brings out their flavor and adds a nice crunch. Just toss them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, until they’re fragrant and lightly browned. But you can use any nut you want; walnuts and almonds would work just as well.
• Additional crumbled bacon for coating: Because you can never have too much bacon, right?
• Crackers, pretzels, or vegetables for serving: Choose your favorite dippers!

When making this easy cheese ball, you can usually find the cream cheese and cheddar in the refrigerated section of your local grocery store. I often buy bacon in bulk when it’s on sale and freeze it for later use. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

Here’s a little Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball trick I learned from my grandmother: before shredding the cheese, put it in the freezer for about 15 minutes. This will make it easier to shred and prevent it from clumping together.

If you are looking for a way to save some money, buying larger blocks of cheese and shredding them yourself is more cost effective than buying pre-shredded cheese.

And for storage, if you have any leftover bacon after making your bacon cheddar dip, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I’m sure you’ll find a way to enjoy it.

Let’s Make This Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball Together

Alright, let’s get down to business and make this Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball! Don’t worry, it’s super easy. I promise, even if you’ve never made a cheese ball before, you can totally nail this.

1. Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, cooked and crumbled bacon, sour cream, chopped green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper.
2. Mix well: Using a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon, mix all the ingredients together until everything is well combined and smooth. Don’t overmix, but make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese. You want everything to be evenly distributed. I learned the hard way with this Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball that if you don’t mix it well enough, you’ll end up with pockets of plain cream cheese, which isn’t very appetizing.
3. Shape into a ball: Once everything is mixed together, form the mixture into a ball. The easiest way to do this is to use your hands. Don’t worry if your Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball isn’t perfectly round, it will still taste amazing. I usually wet my hands slightly to prevent the cheese mixture from sticking to them.
4. Wrap and chill: Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the cheese ball to firm up. In my kitchen, the Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball usually takes about 3 hours to fully set, but overnight is best.
5. Prepare the coating: While the cheese ball is chilling, prepare your coating. In a shallow dish, combine the additional crumbled bacon and chopped pecans (if using). I sometimes add a little bit of shredded cheddar to the coating for extra flavor and color.
6. Coat the cheese ball: Once the cheese ball is firm, remove it from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Roll the cheese ball in the bacon and pecan mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating adheres. Don’t be shy with the coating! You want every inch of that cheese ball covered in delicious bacon and nuts. I learned the hard way that chilling before coating is absolutely essential. It’s much easier to coat a firm ball, it will hold the coating better.
7. Chill again: Wrap the coated cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the coating to set. This will prevent the coating from falling off when you serve it.
8. Serve and enjoy: Remove the Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly. Serve with your favorite crackers, pretzels, or vegetables.

While the Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball is chilling, I usually get the rest of the party snacks ready, like cutting up vegetables or setting out dips. I will often put on a podcast, or call a friend and catch up. This makes the whole process even more fun!

Your Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball should smell like smoky bacon, savory cheese, and a hint of garlic. It should be firm but creamy, and the coating should be crisp and flavorful.

And there you have it – a delicious, easy-to-make Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball that’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering! A Jalapeno popper cheese ball makes a perfect option when you’re feeling extra spicy.

How I Love to Serve This Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball

Okay, so you’ve made your Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball, and it’s looking absolutely amazing. Now, let’s talk about how to serve it!

My family loves this Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball when I serve it with a variety of crackers. We like to have a mix of plain crackers, flavored crackers, and even some gluten-free crackers for those who need them. Pretzels are also a great option, especially the mini pretzel sticks. For a healthier option, you can serve it with a variety of fresh vegetables, like carrot sticks, celery sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips. The crispness of the vegetables pairs really well with the creamy cheese ball.

I always make this Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball for holiday parties, potlucks, and game day gatherings. It’s the perfect party appetizer because it’s easy to make, travels well, and everyone loves it.

For presentation, I like to place the Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball on a pretty serving platter and surround it with an assortment of crackers, pretzels, and vegetables. I also like to add a few sprigs of fresh herbs, like parsley or rosemary, for a pop of color.

If you have extra Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It might get a little softer over time, but it will still taste delicious. You can also crumble it up and use it as a topping for baked potatoes, salads, or even omelets.

For seasonal variations, try adding dried cranberries and pecans for a festive holiday twist. Or, in the summer, try adding chopped fresh herbs like dill and chives for a lighter, more refreshing flavor.

Friends always ask for this cheese ball recipe! I’ve even had people offer to pay me to make it for their parties. That’s when you know you have a winner!

Your Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball Questions Answered

Okay, let’s tackle some of those burning questions you might have about making this Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball. I’ve been making this for years, so I’ve probably encountered every possible issue!

Q: Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend it. Making the Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball a day or two in advance allows the flavors to meld together and the cheese ball to firm up. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it.

Q: What if my cheese ball is too soft?

A: If your cheese ball is too soft, it could be because your cream cheese wasn’t firm enough, or you didn’t chill it long enough. Try chilling it for a longer period of time, or even freezing it for about 30 minutes before rolling it in the coating. You know what I do when my Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball is too soft? I put it back in the fridge for a while and hope for the best! It usually works out.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese?

A: Of course! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. I’ve heard of people adding Gruyere, Gouda, or even a little bit of blue cheese for a stronger flavor. Just make sure to use a combination of soft and hard cheeses for the best texture. When it comes to cheese, just go for it! I just love cheese, so I don’t know why I haven’t tried adding more cheese before.

Q: What if I don’t like pecans?

A: No problem! You can use any type of nut you like, or even omit the nuts altogether. Walnuts, almonds, or even crushed pretzels would be great substitutes. You could also use more bacon, which I’m sure no one would complain about!

Q: Can I freeze this cheese ball?

A: I don’t recommend freezing the Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball, as the texture of the cream cheese may change when it thaws. It’s best to make it fresh or a day or two in advance.

Q: What kind of bacon should I use?

A: I prefer to use regular, thick-cut bacon for this recipe. But you can use any type of bacon you like, as long as it’s cooked and crumbled. Turkey bacon is a great option if you’re looking for a lower-fat alternative.

Q: My coating keeps falling off. What am I doing wrong?

A: Make sure you chill the cheese ball for long enough before rolling it in the coating. This will help the coating adhere better. Also, make sure to press the coating gently onto the cheese ball to ensure it sticks. Also, coating the Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball when it is too soft will be problematic.

I hope these questions and answers have been helpful! If you have any other questions about making this Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball, feel free to ask in the comments below. If you are looking for another great appetizer for your next party try my Cheddar bay biscuit sausage balls!

My Final Thoughts on This Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball

So, there you have it – my go-to recipe for a Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball. It’s a dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser, and it brings back so many happy memories for me. It also tastes amazing and makes for an easy and fun party recipe. I hope it becomes a favorite in your family too!

This Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a dish that I’ve made for so many special occasions. It’s also a great appetizer to bring to a holiday party.

Here are my Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball Pro Tips:

• Make sure your cream cheese is softened: This will make it easier to mix all the ingredients together.
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing can make the cheese ball tough.
• Chill, chill, chill: Chilling the cheese ball for long enough is essential for the best flavor and texture.

Some Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball variations that my family loves are: adding a dash of hot sauce for a little kick, adding dried cranberries and pecans for a festive holiday twist, or adding chopped fresh herbs like dill and chives for a lighter, more refreshing flavor. My son, loves it with a little bit of hot sauce, and my daughter loves the holiday version with cranberries and pecans.

I hope you’ll give this Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball recipe a try. It’s so easy to make, and it’s always a hit at parties. This recipe is a lot of fun and a great party appetizer. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and make it your own. If you love this recipe, take a look at this Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball from Love Grows Wild. You can also find great information on this Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball from Homemade In The Kitchen.

I’m sure you’ll have just as much fun making it as I do. And don’t forget to let me know how it turns out!

Happy cooking! You’ve got this! This recipe is sure to be a party favorite!

So, that’s my take on the Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball. I truly believe that you’ll love it, and so will everyone who gets to try it!

 
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Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball

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This Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball is the ultimate party appetizer! Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with crispy bacon, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

• Author: Liliana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8-10 servings
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, for coating (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and pepper until smooth.
2. Stir in the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese ball to firm up.
4. Shape the mixture into a ball.
5. If using, spread the chopped pecans or walnuts on a plate. Roll the cheese ball in the nuts, pressing lightly to adhere.
6. Serve with crackers, pretzels, or vegetables.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture. Serve with an assortment of crackers and vegetables for dipping.