Bacon, Cheddar and Swiss Cheese Ball

Total Time Prep Time: 20 min. + chilling
Yield 2 cheese balls (4 cups each)
Test Kitchen Approved
When it’s time for a party, everyone always requests this ultimate cheese ball—it’s such an impressive appetizer. And if you’re a party guest, it makes a fabulous gift for your hosts.—Sue Franklin, Lake St. Louis, Missouri

Ingredients

  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup crumbled cooked bacon (about 12 strips), divided
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted, divided
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 jar (2 ounces) diced pimientos, drained
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • Assorted crackers

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Stir in shredded cheeses, 1/2 cup bacon, 1/4 cup pecans, onion, pimientos, pickle relish, salt and pepper. Refrigerate, covered, at least 1 hour.
  2. In a small bowl, mix parsley, poppy seeds and remaining bacon and pecans. Spread half the parsley mixture on a large plate. Shape half the cheese mixture into a ball; roll in parsley mixture to coat evenly. Cover. Repeat to make another cheese ball. Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Serve with crackers.

Nutrition Facts

2 tablespoons: 116 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 194mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.

When it’s time for a party, everyone always requests this ultimate cheese ball—it’s such an impressive appetizer. And if you’re a party guest, it makes a fabulous gift for your hosts.—Sue Franklin, Lake St. Louis, Missouri
Recipe Creator

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