Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball
A creamy blend of sharp cheddar and smoky bacon rolled in crunchy toasted pecans and green onions, perfect for make-ahead parties and holiday entertaining.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons green onions diced, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt or to taste
- freshly cracked pepper to taste
Mix-Ins
- 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
Coating & Garnish
- 0.33 cup pecans chopped and toasted
- additional green onions and bacon for garnish, optional
Instructions
Cheese Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Mix-Ins
- Gently fold in cooked, crumbled bacon until evenly distributed.
Form and Chill
- Shape the mixture into a ball, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Finish
- Spread pecans on a plate. Remove the cheese ball from plastic wrap and roll in pecans until evenly coated. Garnish with additional green onions and bacon if desired.
Notes
Make up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate overnight.
Allow the cheese ball to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for easier spreading yet firm shape.
For a nut-free variation, roll in finely chopped herbs or extra crumbled bacon instead of pecans.