This simple 20-minute pecan cheese ball is a good make-ahead (or last-minute) appetizer. The delicate cheese is flavored with all of your favourite spices and crunchy bacon bits.
That is the proper vacation season appetizer. Having mentioned that, it really works year-round at each formal and informal gatherings.
Lay it out with different appetizers like these cute pigs in a blanket and my air fryer rooster wings (the most effective recipe ever!)
Elements
I used to be shocked at how few elements this recipe took to make. You’ll be, too! You might have already got all seasonings in your kitchen.
- Cream cheese: A wealthy, creamy base that gives easy texture and a tangy taste.
- Shredded triple cheddar cheese: A flavorful mixture of sharp, delicate, and further sharp cheddar cheeses.
- Bacon bits: These add a smoky, savory taste and crunchy texture.
- Chopped pecans: Nuts that deliver crunch and a barely candy, earthy style.
- Sliced scallions: Recent, delicate onion taste that provides a little bit of sharpness and coloration.
- Milk (of your selection): A small quantity of milk helps to melt the combination.
- Every little thing bagel seasoning: A mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt. It is so good – do not skip it!
- Onion and garlic powder: Provides an fragrant, savory taste, not an excessive amount of.
See recipe card for portions.
Directions
This recipe takes round 20 minutes to make in complete and 5 minutes to prep. It is really easy, and but, it appears to be like such as you’ve made a serious effort.
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, add the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, seasonings, and milk.
- Step 2: Use a hand mixer to mix till easy and totally integrated.
- Step 3: Add half of the bacon bits, scallions, and chopped pecans to the combination.
- Step 4: Chop the nuts and scallions into smaller items earlier than including.
- Step 5: Lay a chunk of plastic wrap on the counter, place the cheese combination within the heart.
- Step 6: Wrap it tightly, shaping it right into a ball. Refrigerate the cheese ball for about 20 minutes to agency up.
- Step 7: In a shallow bowl, mix the remaining chopped pecans, bacon bits, and scallions.
- Step 8: Roll the cheese ball within the ready combination, guaranteeing it’s evenly coated on all sides. Serve with crackers.
I like utilizing a mortar and pestle to crush the nuts with. This releases all of the nut oils and brings out their taste.
Substitutions
Must make a couple of ingredient swaps? No drawback – this is what you need to use as a substitute:
- Cream cheese swap: Strive Neufchâtel cheese.
- Shredded triple cheddar cheese different: Shredded Monterey Jack and Colby are each nice.
- Bacon bits: Strive crispy onions, cooked chopped turkey, or vegetarian bacon as a substitute.
- For the chopped pecans: Swap with walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds.
- As a substitute of sliced scallions: Strive chopped crimson onion or chives.
Variations
I like making completely different variations of this recipe. It is really really easy – look into your fridge and pantry and see what elements you have already got that might work.
- Cranberry & herb: Substitute the bacon for dried cranberries and contemporary herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley.
- Smoky BBQ: Add some smoked paprika or BBQ seasoning to the cheese combination for a smoky taste. Swap out the bacon bits for smoked almonds and even crumbled BBQ-flavored chip.
- Candy & savory: For a candy twist, combine in some honey, maple syrup, or chopped dried fruit (akin to apricots or figs) into the cheese ball. Coat the ball with a combination of chopped pecans and brown sugar.
You might make home made crackers if in case you have the time (and can). Take a look at this enjoyable and simple recipe for DIY crackers on Lauras Bake Lab right here.
Tools
Spherical up mixing bowls and your hand mixer for this recipe. You will additionally want some plastic wrap!
Storage
Retailer the pecan cheese ball in an hermetic container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It is going to maintain within the fridge for as much as 3-4 days.
In case you have leftover coating (pecans, bacon bits, and scallions), retailer it individually in a sealed container.
Whereas the cheese ball may be frozen, it’s finest to freeze it earlier than rolling within the coating. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, adopted by a layer of aluminum foil, and freeze for as much as 1 month.
To thaw a frozen cheese ball, place it within the fridge in a single day.
High tip
After shaping the cheese ball, make sure that to refrigerate it for a minimum of 20 minutes earlier than rolling it within the coating combination. This helps the ball maintain its form and makes the coating stick higher, supplying you with a smoother, extra stable end when serving.
Searching for different recipes like this? Strive these:
Pecan Bacon Cheeseball
A straightforward and stylish appetizer, this pecan cheese ball will disappear in minutes.
Servings: 6 individuals
Energy: 199kcal
Elements
- 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 of your selection
- 2 teaspoon all the things bagel seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to style
- Black crushed pepper to style
Directions
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In a medium-size bowl add the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, all seasoning, and milk. Combine with a hand mixer, till properly mixed.
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Then add half of the bacon bits, half of the scallions, and half of the pecans. Make certain to cut these in smaller items first.
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Put a chunk of saran wrap on the counter and put the cheese ball in it. Then totally wrap it up with the saran wrap and kind it right into a ball.
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Put the cheeseball within the fridge for 20 minutes.
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In a shallow bowl, add the remaining chopped pecans, bacon bits and scallions.
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Take away cheeseball from the fridge.
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Roll the cheeseball round within the ready shallow bowl and ensure the entire ball is coated with the remaining coating.
Notes
Serve with crackers, or the rest of your selection.
Diet
Energy: 199kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 3g | Fats: 20g | Saturated Fats: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fats: 3g | Monounsaturated Fats: 7g | Ldl cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 207mg | Potassium: 97mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 521IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 0.3mg
