Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball
A creamy, savory party staple that combines tangy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and a crunchy nut coating, making it perfect for game day, holidays, or potlucks.
Ingredients
For the cheese ball
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened room temperature for easy mixing
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded use freshly shredded for best flavor and melt
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled about 3–4 slices
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped for mild bite and color
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, finely chopped for coating
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Put the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl.
- Add shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Use a spatula (or a stand mixer on low) to mix until everything is evenly combined and smooth.
- Form the mixture into a ball with clean hands or scrape it onto plastic wrap and shape into a log or ball.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, until firm.
- Unwrap and roll the chilled cheese ball in the finely chopped nuts, pressing gently so the nuts adhere.
- Transfer to a serving plate and serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or vegetable sticks.
Notes
For a lighter take, swap half the cream cheese for plain Greek yogurt. You can also use smoked gouda or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar. If nut-free, coat the cheese ball in crushed pretzels or toasted breadcrumbs.