Bacon Cheese Ball

Name: Bacon Cheese Ball
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 10 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 8 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled; 4 green onions, thinly sliced; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp hot sauce (such as Tabasco); 8 oz crackers or bagel chips (for serving)

A retro party centerpiece of cream cheese blended with sharp cheddar, green onions, and Worcestershire, rolled in crispy bacon crumbles and served with crackers. Plan ahead: refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

20 minEasyServes 10360 cal/serving

AmericanAppetizerNo-CookStandardLow CarbEgg-FreeNut-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
8 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
4 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
8 oz crackers or bagel chips (for serving)

Instructions

1

In a large bowl, beat 16 oz softened cream cheese until smooth. Mix in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, half the cooked bacon, 4 thinly sliced green onions, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp hot sauce (such as Tabasco) until combined.
2

Scoop mixture onto plastic wrap and shape into a ball. Wrap tightly.
3

Refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight until firm.
4

Spread remaining 8 strips cooked and crumbled bacon on a plate. Roll the cheese ball in bacon, pressing to coat.
5

Transfer to a serving plate and surround with 8 oz crackers or bagel chips (for serving).

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Questions

How much time should I plan for Bacon Cheese Ball?

As written, 20 minutes: 20 of prep and 0 of cooking. The longest single stretch is the hands-off wait in step 3, overnight, or about 8 hours. That wait sits outside the stated prep and cook times, so plan around it.

Is there a substitute for Worcestershire sauce in Bacon Cheese Ball?

The entry for Bacon Cheese Ball calls for 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce. In its place: Soy sauce with a few drops of vinegar and a pinch of sugar.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of bacon in Bacon Cheese Ball?

Yes. Turkey bacon renders almost no fat, so add a tablespoon of oil wherever the method counts on the drippings. As written, the entry for Bacon Cheese Ball uses 8 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled.

How hot is Bacon Cheese Ball?

Moderately. The heat in Bacon Cheese Ball comes from 1/2 tsp hot sauce (such as Tabasco). For a milder plate, start with half the hot sauce and add more to taste at the end; nothing else in the method changes. For more, add it at the table rather than in the pot, so everyone sets their own level.

Can I make Bacon Cheese Ball gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Bacon Cheese Ball is 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 8 oz crackers or bagel chips (for serving). Swap the soy-based sauce for tamari or coconut aminos; the bread or crumbs for a gluten-free loaf or gluten-free panko. Everything else proceeds as written.

Can I make Bacon Cheese Ball ahead?

Yes, it takes well to being made ahead. Refrigerate what is left of Bacon Cheese Ball within two hours and eat it within three days. It is served cold; there is nothing to reheat.

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