Bacon-Topped Cheese Ball
A savory cheese ball topped with crispy bacon, combining sharp cheeses, tangy relish, and fresh herbs for an irresistible appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons grated onion ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic pepper
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 cup finely chopped toasted almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine cream cheese and sour cream in a large bowl; beat at medium speed until smooth.
- Add shredded Cheddar and Swiss cheeses, grated onion, sweet pickle relish, prepared horseradish, salt, lemon-pepper seasoning, and garlic pepper; beat at low speed until well blended.
- Cover and chill the mixture before serving.
- After chilling, shape the mixture into a ball and top with crumbled cooked bacon.
- Garnish with minced fresh parsley and chopped toasted almonds before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute the Swiss cheese with Gruyère for a nuttier flavor or use low-fat sour cream for a lighter option. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. This cheese ball pairs beautifully with crackers or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
This cheese ball is perfect as an appetizer at parties or gatherings. Serve it alongside an assortment of crackers, veggie sticks, and fruit for a colorful platter. It also pairs well with refreshing drinks, like a crisp white wine or a light beer. For a complete spread, consider adding a dish of Old-Fashioned Split Pea Soup to your menu.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you want to prepare it in advance, you can shape the ball and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. There's no need to reheat; simply serve chilled for the best flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bacon-Topped Cheese Ball contains roughly 716 calories, with 48g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (200% of the Daily Value), iron (155% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (136% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese mixture a day in advance and chill it overnight. Just shape it into a ball and add the bacon, parsley, and almonds just before serving to keep everything fresh and crispy.
What can I use instead of bacon?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can replace the bacon with toasted sunflower seeds or crispy chickpeas for a similar crunch. For a smoky flavor, try using smoked paprika in the mixture instead of bacon.
How do I know when the cheese ball is ready to serve?
The cheese ball is ready to serve once it has chilled for at least two hours in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld together. It should be firm enough to hold its shape but still creamy when you slice into it.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).