🧄🌿🥓 Garlic Chive Bacon Cheese Ball
Prep: 15 min | Chill: 1–2 hrs
Serves: 8–10 snackers
Ingredients
Cheese Ball
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar
- ½ cup cooked bacon, finely crumbled
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, minced (or green onions)
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Coating
- ½ cup extra bacon crumbles
- ¼ cup chopped chives
- ¼ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional but great)
Instructions
- Mix it up:
In a bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, chives, garlic, Worcestershire, pepper, and salt. Mix until fully blended. - Shape:
Scoop mixture onto plastic wrap and form into a ball. - Chill:
Refrigerate 1–2 hours until firm. - Coat:
Roll the chilled cheese ball in bacon, chives, and nuts until fully covered. - Serve:
Let sit at room temp 10–15 minutes before serving for max spreadability.
🔥 Pro Tips & Variations
- Extra garlic lovers: Roast the garlic first for sweet, mellow flavor
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño
- Smoky: Use smoked cheddar or add a dash of smoked paprika
- Make-ahead: Can be made 2 days in advance
🥨 Serve With
- Crackers, pretzel thins, pita chips
- Sliced baguette
- Celery & bell peppers (balance is good, allegedly)
If you want a log-shaped version, mini cheese balls, or a low-carb/keto twist, I’ve got you—just say the word 😄
