Cheese Balls

Cheese Ball on a plate with vegetables, crackers, and bread sticks.

2.84 from 6 votes

A classic Cheese Ball appetizer is always a crowd favorite! This Cheese Ball recipe features three kinds of cheese, bacon, chopped pecans, and tons of flavor. It’s the perfect addition to your holiday table.

Prep Time10

Cook Time0

Chill time2

Total Time2 10

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cheese ball

Servings: people

Author: Olivia Ribas

Ingredients

16 oz. cream cheese at room temperature
2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese divided (avoid pre-shredded cheese)
½ cup finely grated Pepper Jack cheese
¼ cup chopped green onions divided
6 slices bacon divided (cooked and chopped)
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper
2/3 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, add the cream cheese, 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese, Pepper Jack cheese, half of the chopped green onions, half of the bacon, hot pepper sauce, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and black pepper.
Use a spatula to combine all ingredients until smooth and well incorporated.
Lay out a sheet of plastic wrap on a clean surface.
Place the cheese mixture onto the plastic wrap. Use the edges of the wrap to help shape and roll the mixture into a ball. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours or until firm.
While the cheese ball is chilling, prepare the coating mixture. In a shallow bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese, chopped pecans, remaining chopped green onions, and the rest of the diced bacon.
Once the cheese ball is firm, unwrap it from the plastic wrap. Roll the cheese ball in the coating mixture until it's evenly covered on all sides, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.
Place the coated cheese ball on a serving plate.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve with crackers, breadsticks, or fresh vegetable slices.

Notes

Shred your own cheese, as it has a better flavor and texture than pre-shredded cheese.
To make mixing easier, bring the cream cheese to room temperature first.
Serve the cheese ball with a cheese knife to make it easier to spread.
Customize your cheese ball with different cheeses or add-ins.
To Store: Store the cheeseball in an airtight container or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
To Freeze: Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap, then store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.

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