Take your appetizer game to the next level with this rich and delicious Pecan Bacon Cheeseball. Creamy cheese infused with onion, garlic, and a secret spice mix are blended to create a flavorful base, before being rolled in smoky bacon and crunchy pecans.
This is one surprisingly easy and decadent dish that you don’t want to skip at your next gathering. So, grab your favorite serving plate and get ready to impress everyone with this showstopping appetizer.
Why you’ll love this Pecan Bacon Cheeseball
- Easy to make. You can have this delicious appetizer ready in less than 10 minutes.
- Rich, creamy, and crunchy. The center is Creamy, rich, and bursting with flavor, while the exterior adds a little extra crunch that takes this dish to a whole new level.
- Make ahead. Like most dips, this cheeseball tastes best the day after it’s mixed up, which means you have one less thing to worry about.
- Perfect for the holidays. Make it for your own party or bring it to a pot luck…this tasty appetizer is sure to be a hit!
What you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- Cream cheese
- Shredded triple cheddar cheese
- Bacon bits
- Chopped pecans
- Sliced scallions
- Milk
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
Supplies:
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Mortar and pestle, optional
- Plastic wrap or saran wrap
- Serving dish
Step by step instructions:
To make things even easier for you, I created a simple photo guide below. For all measurements and a more detailed guide, check out the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
Step 1 – In a medium sized bowl, beat softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, everything bagel seasoning and milk with a mixer until well combined and creamy.
Step 2 – Mix in half the bacon bits, scallions and pecans.
Step 3- Wrap the cheese ball mixture in plastic wrap and wrap, forming a ball. Refrigerate.
Step 4 – Combine the remaining scallions, bacon bits, and pecans in a shallow bowl.
Step 5 – Unwrap the chilled cheeseball, and gently roll in the bacon bits mixture.
Step 6 – Transfer to a serving tray with with crackers, pretzel thins, or fresh vegetables.
Essential tips:
Don’t skip these tips – read them before baking to avoid any potential mistakes.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a creamy, smooth texture.
- Toast the chopped pecans first for an added nutty flavor.
- For a milder flavor, you can swap out the scallions for chopped parsley.
- Instead of chopping your pecans with a knife, try using a mortar and pestle to break them down.
- Serve with your favorite crackers, warm bread, bagel chips, breadsticks, cucumber slices or vegetable crudites.
Pro Tip: Make sure to keep your guests healthy and safe and ensure your dairy heavy appetizers don’t stay at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
The easiest way to to this is to split the recipe into two cheeseballs and rotate them on the buffet every 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, make your spread more interesting by rotating out different recipes for your guests to enjoy.
When to Make this Recipe:
I won’t lie, this is probably a bit too rich for the hot summer months, but it’s perfect for autumn and winter gatherings like
- Football parties
- Thanksgiving,
- Christmas,
- New Year’s Eve,
- Galentine’s Day
Frequently asked questions:
Absolutely! In fact, it’s best made at least a day ahead so the flavors have time to come together. For more details, see the storage section at the bottom of this post.
Using the plastic wrap helps you to roll the cheese mixture into a ball that can then be chilled in the refrigerator. Don’t worry about making a perfect ball, the toppings will hide a lot of imperfections.
Making this for a party?
This is a great appetizer for your fall get-togethers or parties. Don’t forget to add a printable food label so everyone knows exactly what they’re biting into.
How to Store Your Cheeseball
Make Ahead:
The cheeseball can be made up to three days ahead of when you plan to serve it. To store, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and return to the refrigerator until ready to use.
For best results, add the topping right before you’re ready to serve
Leftovers:
Store your leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
To Freeze:
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and add to an airtight container (e.g. a zip top freezer bag), and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add the topping to serve.
If you liked my Pecan Bacon Cheeseball recipe, you’re going to love my Cheesy Crock Pot Bread. The gooey warm bread bites are the perfect compliment alongside this flavorful cheese ball.
Or you can check out all my appetizer recipes right here.
Pecan Bacon Cheeseball
Take your appetizer game up a notch, with a rich and delicious Pecan Bacon Cheeseball. Easy to make and easier to eat, this is one appetizer recipe you don't want to miss.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded triple cheddar cheese
- ½ cup bacon bits, chopped into small pieces
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup sliced scallions
- 2 tbsp milk (of your choice)
- 2 tsp everything bagel seasoning
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black crushed pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, everything bagel seasoning and milk to a medium sized bowl. Beat with a mixer at medium speed until well combined and creamy.
- Add half the bacon bits, half the scallions and half the pecans to the mixture.
- Unroll a large piece of plastic wrap on your counter. Scoop the cheese ball mixture onto the plastic wrap and wrap the plastic around it, forming a ball as you wrap. Refrigerate the cheeseball for at least 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, combine the remaIning scallions, bacon bits, and chopped pecans in a shallow bowl. Stir once or twice to mix everything together.
- When the cheeseball is firm, remove it from the refrigerator and unwrap it from the plastic.
- Using the shallow bowl to keep everything from smushing out everywhere, roll the cheeseball in the topping mixture. Make sure the entire ball is coated with the toppings.
- Place on a serving tray and serve with crackers, pretzel thins, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
Remember, the step-by-step photos and FAQ in the recipe post are there to help you if you feel stuck at any point.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a creamy, smooth texture.
- Toast the chopped pecans first for an added nutty flavor.
- For a milder flavor, you can swap out the scallions for chopped parsley.
- Instead of chopping pecans with a knife, try using a mortar and pestle to break them down.
- Serve with your favorite crackers, warm bread, bagel chips, breadsticks, cucumber slices or vegetable crudites.
- Reduce food borne illness and ensure your cheeseball doesn't stay at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Dee | GrammysGrid.com says
YUM!!
Esmé Slabbert says
Oh my word, this does look outstanding. I have pinned it as I want to try and veganize it.
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