Prepare to have your taste buds take the ride of a lifetime with this Creamy Cheddar and Herb Cheese Ball with Crispy Bacon! This epic creation is a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more. Get ready to dive headfirst into a world of creamy, cheesy deliciousness that will have your guests begging for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cheddar and Herb Cheese Ball with Crispy Bacon
This cheese ball is the ultimate party showstopper! The combination of creamy, tangy cheddar, aromatic herbs, and crispy bacon is an absolute flavor sensation. It’s the perfect balance of rich, indulgent, and irresistible. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, which means you can whip up this epic appetizer in no time. Get ready to become the ultimate host and have your guests raving about this sensational dish!
Ingredients
Prepare to have your taste buds dance with delight! This Creamy Cheddar and Herb Cheese Ball with Crispy Bacon requires just a few simple, yet incredible ingredients. You’ll need cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, and thyme), crispy cooked bacon, and a touch of garlic powder for an extra flavor boost.
- 16 oz (450g) – Cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups (200g) – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (10g) – Chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, thyme)
- 6 slices (60g) – Crispy cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 tsp – Garlic powder
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Gouda, Parmesan, or a blend of cheeses (the possibilities are endless!)
- Herbs: Swap in your favorite fresh or dried herbs to create your own unique flavor profile.
How to Make Creamy Cheddar and Herb Cheese Ball with Crispy Bacon
Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise! This Creamy Cheddar and Herb Cheese Ball with Crispy Bacon is an absolute breeze to make.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by softening the cream cheese to make it easy to work with. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and your choice of fresh herbs. Mix everything together until it’s well incorporated and smooth.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, form the cheese mixture into a large ball and place it on a serving plate or board. Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the cheese ball is chilled and firm, it’s time to coat it in the crispy bacon bits. Sprinkle the bacon all over the surface of the cheese ball, gently pressing it into the sides to help it adhere.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra flavor boost, you can sprinkle a bit of garlic powder over the top of the cheese ball. Serve the Creamy Cheddar and Herb Cheese Ball with Crispy Bacon with your favorite crackers, sliced baguette, or even fresh veggies for dipping. Get ready to watch your guests go wild over this incredible creation!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Cheese Swap: Try swapping out the cheddar for a different cheese, like goat cheese or blue cheese, for a unique twist.
- Herb Blend: Experiment with different herb combinations, such as rosemary and thyme, or even add a touch of spice with some cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
- Bacon Boost: For extra crispy bacon, bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
- Mix-In Magic: Get creative and add in chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even a bit of diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh veggie sticks for dipping.
Storage: The cheese ball can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Reheat: No need to reheat – enjoy this cheesy delight at room temperature or straight from the fridge.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the cheese mixture, shape it into a ball, and refrigerate it up to 5 days in advance. Just wait to coat it with the crispy bacon until right before serving.
Nutrition Information
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this Creamy Cheddar and Herb Cheese Ball with Crispy Bacon without any guilt! This epic appetizer is packed with protein from the cream cheese and cheddar, and the addition of crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch. While it’s certainly an indulgent treat, it’s also a crowd-pleasing option that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbs: 2 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this cheese ball is the perfect make-ahead appetizer. You can prepare the cheese mixture, shape it into a ball, and refrigerate it up to 5 days in advance. Just wait to coat it with the crispy bacon until right before serving.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with the cheese selection. Gouda, Parmesan, or even a blend of cheeses would all work wonderfully in this recipe.
How do I make the bacon extra crispy?
For the ultimate crispy bacon topping, bake the bacon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until it’s golden brown and extra crispy, about 15-20 minutes. Let it cool completely before sprinkling it over the cheese ball.
Can I add any other mix-ins to the cheese ball?
Definitely! You can get creative and add in chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even a bit of diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
How do I serve this cheese ball?
This Creamy Cheddar and Herb Cheese Ball with Crispy Bacon is the ultimate party centerpiece. Serve it with an array of crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh veggie sticks for dipping. It’s also delicious on its own as a standalone appetizer.
Try These Next
- Creamy Garlic Herb Mac And Cheese With Crispy Topping
- Creamy Pumpkin Spice Mac And Cheese With Crispy Bacon Crumble
- Creamy Cheddar Mac And Cheese With Bacon Crumble
Creamy Cheddar and Herb Cheese Ball with Crispy Bacon
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: 🧀 CHEESE AVALANCHE
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful creamy cheese ball packed with sharp cheddar, fresh herbs, and crispy bacon. Perfect for parties and gatherings!
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup crispy bacon, crumbled
1/4 cup pecans, chopped (optional)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt to taste
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sharp cheddar cheese until well blended.
2. Add chopped chives, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Mix until fully combined.
3. Form the mixture into a ball shape using your hands.
4. Roll the cheese ball in the crumbled bacon and pecans (if using) until fully coated.
5. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
6. Serve with crackers or veggies for dipping.
Notes
Can be made a day in advance. Just wrap tightly and store in the refrigerator.
Feel free to customize herbs based on your preference. Dill and thyme work great too!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese ball (approx. 2 oz)
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cheese ball, party appetizer, cheddar cheese