This Easy Cheese Ball Recipe will have your guests asking for more! Loaded with cheddar cheese, bacon, and pecans. The best part is that this recipe is so simple and quick, you can whip it up in no time.
Do you love cheese balls but don’t know how to make them? This easy cheese ball recipe is perfect for any occasion! With only a handful of ingredients such as cheese, bacon, and seasonings, it’s simple and delicious.
You’ll be the hit of the party with this easy appetizer that’s sure to keep them coming back for more!
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Do you love easy snacks? Then this is the recipe for you! This easy cheese ball recipe is perfect for any party or gathering, and it’s so simple to make that even novice cooks can master it.
Plus, there are endless possibilities for variations, so you can customize your cheese ball to match your tastes. This is a super simple appetizer that is great for game day, holiday parties, potlucks and so much more. Get started on this delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer today!
bacon cheese ball
Here are some commonly asked questions
What is a cheese ball?
A cheese ball is a ball of shredded or soft cheeses, nuts, and sometimes fruit, formed into a sphere and often coated in bread crumbs or herbs. Cheese balls are served cold or at room temperature as an appetizer.
How were cheese balls invented?
The first cheese balls were probably created by accident when someone dropped a ball of shredded cheese into a bowl of bread crumbs. But the dish soon became popular, and people began adding nuts, herbs, and other ingredients to create different flavors.
Today, cheese balls are a common party appetizer, and there are endless ways to make them. You can use any type of cheese, add different spices or herbs, and even coat them in colorful sprinkles.
How many can this serve?
This will really depend on the portions each person is taking. If people are just taking a swipe on a cracker or two then this should be good for up to 20 people. I have the recipe nutrition based on dividing it by 20 servings. You may get more than that.
How can I make these ahead of time?
This cheese ball is perfect for making the night before or the morning ahead of when you will be serving it. Just keep refrigerated & then add any additional garnish before putting it out to serve. We sometimes like to serve it with pepper jelly or a drizzle of honey.
More Cheesy Recipes to Try
- Mini Bacon Onion Ranch Cheese Balls
- Cheese Log
- Smoked Cream Cheese
- Pretzel Cheese Dip
- Sausage Cheese Dip
- Ham & Cheese Hot Spinach Dip
- Bacon Alfredo Cheese Cups
How long is a cheese ball good for?
Cheese logs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container.
Ingredients to Make a Cheese Ball
- cream cheese
- cheddar cheese – shredded
- milk of your choice
- everything bagel seasoning
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- bacon bits – divided
- pecans – chopped – divided
- scallions – sliced – divided
Can a cheese ball be frozen?
Yes, cheese balls can be frozen. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container before freezing. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the cheese ball in the fridge overnight and then let it come to room temperature before serving.
What can I use instead of the nuts?
While I highly recommend the nuts for flavor and texture – if you have an allergy or flavor aversion that keeps you from using them, there are plenty of other options out there for you.
Try rolling it in panko that has been toasted in butter, crushed pretzels, sesame seeds, crushed crackers, crushed potato chips, pepitas, or fried onions. There are so many options when making a cheese ball.
Easy Way to Make a Cheese Ball
- In a medium-sized bowl add the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, milk, everything bagel seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix with a hand mixer or use a stand mixer, until well combined.
- Then add half of the bacon bits, half of the scallions, and half of the pecans. Make sure those are chopped into smaller pieces first.
- Put a piece of plastic wrap on the counter and put the cheese ball in it. Then fully wrap it up with plastic wrap and form it into a ball.
- Put the cheese ball in the fridge for 20 minutes.
- In a shallow bowl, add the remaining chopped pecans, bacon bits, and scallions.
- Remove the cheese ball from the fridge.
- Roll the cheese ball around in the coating mixture and make sure the whole ball is coated with the remaining coating.
- Serve with crackers or anything else of your choice.
Can I make this with different flavors?
There are endless possibilities when it comes to this cheese ball recipe. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, nuts, and dried fruits.
My cheese ball is too runny, what can I do?
If your cheese ball is too runny, it probably needs to be chilled for longer. Try putting it in the fridge for an hour or two, or even overnight. If that doesn’t firm it up enough, you can try adding more shredded cheese or cream cheese to the mixture.
What is the best way to store the leftovers of this cheese ball?
Serve immediately, or place any remaining cheese log in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Before refrigerating, label the dish with the date. This recipe will keep for an average of 3 days when stored correctly in an airtight container.
Can this be made with other cheese?
Yes – if you want to try making this with goat cheese or adding a bit of parmesan cheese – that would be delicious as well.
What to serve with a cheese ball
Crackers
Vegetables such as carrots, celery, and cucumber
My cheese ball is too soft, what can I do?
If your cheese ball is too soft, put it in the fridge for longer. An hour or two should do the trick, but you could also try leaving it overnight. If that doesn’t firm it up enough, add more shredded cheese or cream cheese to the mixture.
Products I love when making a cheese ball…
This cheese ball recipe is SUPER EASY and delicious – and if you’re like me, then you maybe already have some of these items on hand OR maybe you have never made an appetizer like this before, & you might be a bit nervous – but you’re going to love it. I have made a list below of the things I absolutely can’t live without when it comes to making this snack recipe. (you can also SHOP MY FAVORITES in my store)
If you love this easy cheese ball recipe, you’re going to love these other appetizers too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
If you love this recipe for this Easy Cheese Ball Recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review, and be sure to help me share on Facebook and Pinterest!
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Easy Cheese Ball Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 tbsp milk of your choice
- 2 tsp everything bagel seasoning
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- ½ cup bacon bits divided
- ½ cup pecans chopped – divided
- ¼ cup scallions sliced – divided
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl add the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, milk, everything bagel seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix with a hand mixer or use a stand mixer, until well combined.
- Then add half of the bacon bits, half of the scallions, and half of the pecans. Make sure those are chopped in smaller pieces first.
- Put a piece of plastic wrap on the counter and put the cheese ball in it. Then fully wrap it up with the plastic wrap and form it into a ball.
- Put the cheese ball in the fridge for 20 minutes.
- In a shallow bowl, add the remaining chopped pecans, bacon bits and scallions.
- Remove the cheese ball from the fridge.
- Roll the cheese ball around in the coating mixture and make sure the whole ball is coated with the remaining coating.
- Serve with crackers, or anything else of your choice.
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
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