Get ready to elevate your snack game with this Pecan Cheese Ball recipe. Creamy cream cheese, triple cheddar, crispy bacon, and crunchy pecans rolled into one delicious ball. Topped with scallions, everything bagel seasoning, and a hint of onion-garlic magic, this recipe is perfect for dipping with your fave crackers or veggies.
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Why This Recipe Works
- Sensational Flavor Blend: Revel in the perfect harmony of creamy cheddar, crispy bacon, and nutty pecans, delivering a taste sensation that's simply irresistible.
- Effortless Elegance: Elevate any occasion with this easy-to-make Pecan Bacon Cheeseball, a crowd-pleaser that adds a touch of sophistication to your snack game.
- Textural Delight: Dive into a medley of textures – from velvety creaminess to crunchy bacon and pecans – creating a satisfying and flavorful experience in every bite.
🥘 Ingredients
- Cream Cheese: Provides a smooth, creamy base that melds all flavors together.
- Triple Cheddar Cheese: Adds layers of rich, cheesy flavor to the dish.
- Bacon Bits: Infuse a crispy, smoky element for a savory undertone.
- Chopped Pecans: Lend a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
- Sliced Scallions: Offer a burst of color and a fresh, mild onion note.
- Milk: Ensures a creamy consistency and ease of mixing.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: Elevates the taste with a savory, herby punch.
- Onion Powder: Enhances the savory depth without overpowering.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses a gentle warmth and complements overall flavor.
- Salt: Harmonizes the flavors and enhances the savory elements.
- Black Crushed Pepper: Rounds out the dish with a subtle hint of heat.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
This recipe is for a bacon pecan cheeseball however you can make many different types of cheese balls. Here are some suggestions:
- Garlic & Herb Goodness – Cream cheese, fresh herbs, a little onion powder, and a crunchy cracker coating? Yes, please! Perfectly savory and totally addictive.
- Mediterranean Magic – Sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and a splash of balsamic make this one taste like a fancy little trip to Italy. Roll it in nuts for extra crunch!
- Spicy & Cheesy – Sharp cheddar + jalapeños + a cayenne kick = a cheeseball with attitude. Coat it in crushed tortilla chips for that extra crunch!
- Sweet & Tangy – Cream cheese, honey, cranberries, and a hint of cinnamon rolled in crushed graham crackers? Dessert cheeseball, anyone?
- Brunch Vibes – Smoked salmon, capers, and dill mixed into cream cheese, then rolled in everything bagel seasoning? Basically a bagel without the bagel!
Feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations to suit your taste preferences and occasions!
🔪How To Make A Cheese Ball
Step One: In a medium-sized bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheese, all seasonings, and milk. Use a hand mixer to beat cream cheese and cheddar until well combined.
Step Two: Add half of the bacon bits, fresh green onions, and pecans (chopped into smaller pieces) to the mixture.
Step Three: Place a piece of plastic wrap on the counter, transfer the cheese ball mixture onto it, and wrap it into a ball shape. Refrigerate the cheeseball for 20 minutes.
Step Four: In a shallow bowl, combine the remaining chopped pecans, bacon bits, and green onions.
Step Five: Remove the cheeseball from the fridge and roll it in the prepared coating mixture.
Step Six: Properly coat your cheeseball. Serve with crackers or your preferred choice. Enjoy!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Wrap and Shape: After mixing your cheeseball ingredients, place plastic wrap on the counter, transfer the mixture onto it, and wrap it up tightly. This makes it easier to shape the cheeseball into a round form.
- Chill for Easy Handling: Pop the wrapped cheeseball into the fridge for about 20 minutes. Chilling firms up the mixture, making it easier to handle and shape into a perfect round ball.
- Coating Consistency: When applying the outer coating, ensure an even layer by rolling the cheeseball in a shallow bowl containing your chosen coating. This guarantees a uniform appearance and a delightful combination of flavors in every bite.
- Gentle Rolling: When rolling the cheeseball in the coating, use a gentle touch to maintain its round shape. A light touch ensures a consistent coating without distorting the ball's form.
💭 FAQs
Yes! In fact, making the cheeseball ahead allows flavors to meld. Just wrap it tightly, refrigerate, and coat it with toppings just before serving.
It's not recommended. Freezing may alter the texture, especially if it has coatings. For the best taste and texture, enjoy it fresh or refrigerate for short periods.
Get creative! Cheeseballs are versatile. Mix and match ingredients based on what you have. It's all about personal preference and experimenting. a cheeseball can have so much flavor.
Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents to prevent clumping. This can affect the texture and meltability, potentially resulting in a slightly different consistency compared to cheese shredded at home.
🧂Serving Suggestions
Serve your cheeseball platter with any of the following items:
Cheese Balls and Crackers:
- Classic Bagel Crackers
- Whole grain crackers
- Multigrain crisps
Bread:
- Sliced baguette
- Crostini
- Pita bread triangles
Vegetables:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Baby carrots
- Cucumber slices
- Bell pepper strips
Fruits:
- Apple slices
- Grapes (red or green)
- Pear wedges
Dips and Spreads:
- Beetroot Hummus
- Fig jam
- Olive tapenade
- Sour cream
Chopped Nuts:
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Pecans
Pickles and Olives:
- Gherkins
- Kalamata Olives
- Stuffed Green Olives
Charcuterie:
- Prosciutto
- Salami
- Sliced Ham
Cheese:
- Additional cheese varieties to complement the cheeseball
Dried Fruits:
- Apricots
- Figs
- Raisins
Mustards:
- Dijon Mustard or a Dijon Mustard Substitute.
- Whole-grain mustard
Chutneys:
- Mango Chutney
- Cranberry Chutney
- Hot Sauce
Feel free to mix and match items from these categories to create a diverse and delightful spread that complements your cheeseball.
🍽 Related Recipes
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Pecan Bacon Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 8 oz Cream Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Triple Cheddar Cheese
- ½ cup Bacon Bits
- ½ cup Chopped Pecans
- ¼ cup Sliced Scallions
- 2 tablespoon Milk
- 2 teaspoon Everything Bagel Seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon Onion Powder
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheese, all seasonings, and milk. Use a hand mixer to beat cream cheese and chedder until well combined.
- Add half of the bacon bits, fresh green onions, and pecans (chopped into smaller pieces) to the mixture.
- Place a piece of plastic wrap on the counter, transfer the cheese ball mixture onto it, and wrap it into a ball shape.
- Refrigerate the cheeseball for 20 minutes.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the remaining chopped pecans, bacon bits, and green onions.
- Remove the cheeseball from the fridge and roll it in the prepared coating mixture, ensuring an even coat.
- Serve with crackers or your preferred choice. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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This Pecan Bacon Cheese Ball is a flavor-packed favorite! The combination of creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and crunchy pecans creates an irresistible appetizer. I love how the everything bagel seasoning adds a savory twist. Sometimes I add a dash of smoked paprika for an extra kick.