Classic Cheese Ball Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Additional Time
2 hrs 30 mins
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Total Time
2 hrs 55 mins
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Servings
24 servings
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Calories
140 kcal
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Course
Appetizer, Condiments, Snacks
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Cuisine
American
Classic Cheese Ball Recipe
Description
This cheese ball recipe starts with cream cheese whipped until fluffy and combined with sour cream and seasonings including garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce. Sharp cheddar cheese and sliced green onion add tang and bite to the mixture. After chilling to firm up the texture, the cheese is shaped into a ball and rolled in a savory coating made by mixing crispy bacon bits with toasted pecans and chopped fresh parsley, adding crunch and herbal brightness.
The texture contrast between the creamy cheese center and the crunchy exterior is a highlight. The cheeses provide sharp, rich flavors that are balanced by smoky bacon and nutty pecans. This combination yields an easy-to-serve appetizer that can be prepared in advance and chilled well to develop flavors.
Served at room temperature for easier spreading on crackers or bread, the cheese ball is a convenient party dish. It's adaptable with options such as substituting ranch seasoning or warming store-bought bacon bits for crispness. Freezing the ball before rolling in the coating will allow for advance preparation and storage.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 1 green onion thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese finely shredded
- ¾ cup bacon bits or crumbled bacon, divided
- ½ cup pecans chopped
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped, fresh
Instructions
- Bake pecans in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until fragrant. Cool completely and chop.
- Meanwhile, place cream cheese in a bowl and beat with a hand mixer until fluffy.
- Add sour cream, green onion, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Beat until combined. Stir in cheddar cheese and ½ cup bacon bits. Chill in the fridge for 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
- Remove from the fridge and shape into a ball. Combine remaining ¼ cup bacon, chopped pecans, and parsley on a small plate. Roll the cheeseball in the mixture pressing to adhere. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
- Remove from the refrigerator at least 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Refrigerate the cheese mixture before shaping to help it hold form.
- Prepare ahead by making the cheese ball and freezing it without the coating; thaw overnight before adding topping.
- Use softened cream cheese for easier mixing; warming briefly in microwave helps if needed.
- Sharp cheddar provides best flavor, but you can adjust to taste.
- Warming pre-packaged bacon bits until crisp improves texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 24servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 140 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2tablespoons | |
| Calories | 140 | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 36mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 185mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 68mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 387IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 92mg | 9% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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