Cheddar Blue Cheese Bacon Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe

Introduction

This classic cheese ball is a creamy, tangy appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. It combines sharp cheddar, blue cheese, and crispy bacon for a flavorful bite that’s sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup green onions, finely minced (white part only)
• 1 jar diced pimento, drained
• 3/4 cup pecans, divided
• 10 slices bacon, cooked, drained, finely crumbled and divided
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixer bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on low speed for 1 minute. Gradually add the milk, blending until smooth, about 1 more minute. Scrape down the sides as needed.
2. Step 2: Add the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled blue cheese, green onions, pimentos, half the bacon, and half the pecans. Blend again on medium speed until fully combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Step 3: Transfer the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Use the wrap to shape the mixture into a ball. Wrap tightly and refrigerate or freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up.
4. Step 4: In a shallow dish, mix the remaining bacon, remaining pecans, fresh parsley, and poppy seeds to prepare the coating.
5. Step 5: Remove the cheese ball from the plastic wrap and gently roll it in the bacon-pecan mixture until completely coated.
6. Step 6: Rewrap the coated cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve with crackers, vegetable sticks, or bread slices.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to the cheese mixture before chilling.
• Substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans to change the nutty flavor and texture.
• Use smoked cheddar cheese for a deeper, smoky taste.
• If you prefer less tang, reduce the amount of blue cheese or leave it out entirely.
• Make mini cheese balls for individual servings or gifts.

Storage

Store the cheese ball tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To re-firm a softened cheese ball, chill it for an additional hour before serving. This appetizer is best served cold but can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours during serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the cheese ball in advance?

Yes, the cheese ball can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just keep it tightly wrapped and refrigerated to maintain freshness and shape.

What should I serve with the cheese ball?

Classic accompaniments include crackers, sliced baguette, breadsticks, or fresh vegetable sticks like celery, carrots, and bell peppers.

Cheddar Blue Cheese Bacon Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 57 reviews

This classic Cheese Ball recipe combines a rich blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and blue cheese with crunchy pecans, crispy bacon, and flavorful seasonings. It’s shaped into a festive ball, chilled to perfection, then coated with a savory mixture of additional bacon, pecans, parsley, and poppy seeds. Perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties or holiday gatherings, served with crackers, vegetable sticks, or bread slices.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (for cooking bacon)
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: About 12 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Mixture

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup green onions, finely minced (white part only)
• 1 jar diced pimento, drained
• 3/4 cup pecans, divided
• 10 slices bacon, cooked, drained, finely crumbled and divided

Coating Mixture

• Remaining 3/4 cup pecans
• Remaining finely crumbled bacon slices
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the cheese mixture: In a mixer bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on low speed for 1 minute until creamy. Gradually add the milk, blending until smooth, about 1 more minute. Scrape down the sides as needed. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled blue cheese, finely minced green onions, drained diced pimentos, half of the crumbled bacon, and half of the chopped pecans. Blend again on medium speed until fully incorporated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
2. Shape the cheese ball: Transfer the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Use the plastic wrap to help shape the mixture into a firm ball. Wrap tightly and refrigerate or freeze for at least 2 hours to allow it to firm up properly.
3. Prepare the coating: In a shallow dish, combine the remaining crumbled bacon, remaining pecans, minced fresh parsley, and poppy seeds. Mix well to create the flavorful coating.
4. Coat the cheese ball: Remove the firm cheese ball from the plastic wrap and gently roll it in the bacon-pecan mixture until completely coated on all sides.
5. Final chill: Rewrap the coated cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve chilled with crackers, vegetable sticks, or bread slices for a delightful snack or appetizer.

Notes

• For best flavor, prepare the cheese ball at least a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld.
• You can substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans if desired.
• Make sure to finely crumble and drain the bacon to avoid excess grease in the cheese ball.
• Keep the cheese ball well-wrapped in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Serve with a variety of dippers such as assorted crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables.

Keywords: cheese ball, party appetizer, cream cheese appetizer, bacon cheese ball, holiday appetizer, pecan cheese ball