Cheese Ball With Everything
A rich and savory cheese ball combining Swiss and Cheddar cheeses with bacon, pimientos, and crunchy pecans, perfect for parties and sharing with friends.
Ingredients
- 2 c. shredded Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sour cream ⓘ
- 1/2 c. finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz.) jar diced pimiento ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sweet pickle relish ⓘ
- 10 slices bacon, crumbled ⓘ
- 1/2 c. finely chopped pecans ⓘ
- dash of salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- assorted crackers ⓘ
Instructions
- Let Swiss and Cheddar cheeses come to room temperature.
- In a large mixer bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and sour cream until fluffy.
- Beat in Swiss cheese, Cheddar cheese, onion, undrained pimiento, pickle relish, half of the bacon, half of the pecans, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and chill until firm.
- Shape into 1 large or 2 small balls; place on waxed paper.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley. If you prefer a spicier kick, jalapeños can be a great substitution for the sweet pickle relish. Use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream for a lighter version. Ensure your cheeses are at room temperature for easier mixing and a fluffier texture.
Serving Suggestions
This cheese ball is perfect for parties and pairs beautifully with assorted crackers for a delightful appetizer. You can also serve it with fresh vegetables like celery and carrot sticks for a healthier option. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Michigan Baked Beans for a hearty spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To enjoy later, allow the cheese ball to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. If it's too firm, you can microwave it in short intervals until slightly softened, but be careful not to overheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Ball With Everything contains roughly 831 calories, with 24g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (48% of the Daily Value), calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1517mg per serving (66% 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 in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball up to two days in advance. Just shape it and store it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
What types of crackers work best with this cheese ball?
Variety is key! Choose a mix of plain, herbed, or flavored crackers to complement the richness of the cheese ball. Water crackers, wheat thins, or even pita chips provide a nice crunch and balance the creamy texture.
Can I customize the ingredients in the cheese ball?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the Swiss and Cheddar cheeses with your favorites, such as pepper jack for a spicy twist or gouda for a smoky flavor. Adjust the mix-ins based on your preference, like adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean flair.
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).