Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/12 checked
12
servings
8 unit

cream cheese

softened

0.5 cup

milk

2 cup

shredded sharp cheddar cheese

shredded

0.25 cup

blue cheese

crumbled

0.25 cup

green onions

finely minced

1 unit

diced pimento

drained

0.75 cup

pecans

divided

10 slice

bacon

cooked, drained, finely crumbled

1 pinch

salt

1 pinch

pepper

0.25 cup

parsley

minced

1 tbsp

poppy seeds

Step 1
~8 min

Soften cream cheese and mix until smooth.

Step 2
~8 min

Gradually add milk to the cream cheese, mixing until well blended.

Key Technique: Mixing
Step 3
~8 min

Add shredded sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled blue cheese, minced green onions, drained diced pimento, half of the bacon, and half of the pecans to the cream cheese mixture.

Step 4
~8 min

Beat until all ingredients are well blended.

Step 5
~8 min

Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6
~8 min

Transfer the cheese mixture to a large piece of plastic wrap.

Step 7
~8 min

Form the mixture into a ball and wrap tightly with the plastic wrap.

Step 8
~8 min

Repeat with the remaining cheese mixture if making multiple cheese balls.

Step 9
~8 min

Refrigerate or freeze the wrapped cheese ball(s) for at least 2 hours to allow them to firm up.

Step 10
~8 min

In a pie plate, combine the remaining bacon, remaining pecans, minced parsley, and poppy seeds.

Step 11
~8 min

Remove the plastic wrap from the chilled cheese ball.

Step 12
~8 min

Roll the cheese ball lightly in the bacon/nut mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated.

Step 13
~8 min

Wrap the coated cheese ball back up in plastic wrap.

Step 14
~8 min

Refrigerate again until ready to serve.

Step 15
~8 min

Serve the cheese ball with your favorite crackers.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Use different types of cheese for varied flavors.

Make ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for easy entertaining.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Can be made 1-2 days in advance

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Low
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with an assortment of crackers.

Offer with carrot and celery sticks.

Garnish with additional parsley or green onions.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Crackers
Celery Sticks
Carrot Sticks

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

United States

Cultural Significance

Popular appetizer at parties and gatherings

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Christmas
New Year's Eve
Thanksgiving

Occasion Tags

Party
Holiday
Game Day

Popularity Score

70/100

More American Appetizer Recipes

Discover more delicious American Appetizer recipes to expand your culinary repertoire