Make this classic cream cheese ball coated in bacon, fresh herbs, and crunchy pecans. It is a simple, crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for holidays and parties.
Author:Amaya Sato
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes (for bacon)
Total Time:2 hours 25 minutes
Yield:1 large cheese ball (serves 12-16)
Category:Appetizer
Method:No-Bake
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon
Instructions
Combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder in a medium bowl. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
Stir in the chopped parsley and chives until evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
Shape the cheese mixture into a ball using your hands or a spatula.
In a shallow dish, combine the chopped pecans and crumbled bacon.
Roll the cheese ball in the pecan and bacon mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres completely.
Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
Serve chilled with crackers, pita chips, or vegetable sticks.
Notes
For the best texture, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.
You can prepare this cheese ball up to 2 days ahead of time. Keep it wrapped and refrigerated.
If you prefer a different flavor, try coating it only in toasted walnuts or dried, finely chopped herbs.
Allow the cheese ball to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for easier spreading.