Randy Chandler
Cheese and bacon balls are a popular appetiser or snack, often served at parties and holiday gatherings. They are made from a mixture of cheeses, spices, and bacon, which is shaped into a ball and coated in bacon bits or other toppings. The cheese mixture typically includes cream cheese, cheddar, and parmesan, while the spices might include garlic, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. The ball is then rolled in bacon bits, or other toppings such as oregano, paprika, pecans, or sesame seeds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Cream cheese, cheddar, bacon bits/slices |
| Additional ingredients | Parmesan, garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, parsley, cayenne pepper, oregano, paprika, pecans, sesame seeds, ranch dressing mix, dried minced onion, garlic powder, green onions, poppy seeds, pretzels, beer, smoked paprika, chives |
| Preparation time | 15 minutes |
| Refrigeration time | 2 hours minimum, up to 3 days |
| Storage | Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days |
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What You'll Learn
Cream cheese, cheddar, parmesan, garlic, and bacon
Cheese and bacon balls are a delicious snack and a great appetizer for parties and gatherings. They are easy to make and can be prepared in advance, which is always a bonus when entertaining. The key ingredients are cream cheese, cheddar, parmesan, garlic, and bacon, and here is how you can make them.
Firstly, you will need to get your ingredients together. For the cheese, you will need cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and grated parmesan. It is recommended to use full-fat cream cheese and extra-sharp cheddar for the best flavour. In terms of the bacon, you will need to cook it and crumble it before adding it to the mixture. For the garlic, you can use fresh or powdered garlic, depending on your preference.
Next, you will need to mix the ingredients together in a large bowl. Add the cream cheese, cheddar, parmesan, garlic, and half of the crumbled bacon to the bowl and combine. You can use a rubber spatula to blend the mixture until it is smooth. At this stage, you can also add in other ingredients, such as kosher salt, black pepper, parsley, cayenne pepper, or ranch dressing mix, to taste.
Once the mixture is blended, place it in the freezer for about 15 minutes to chill. This will make it easier to shape into balls. After chilling, use a measuring tablespoon to scoop out the mixture and shape it into balls. You can make them any size you like, but a heaping tablespoon will yield around 12 balls.
Finally, roll the cheese balls in the remaining bacon bits to coat them. You can also add other coatings, such as oregano, paprika, chopped pecans, or sesame seeds, for extra flavour and texture. Serve the cheese and bacon balls immediately, or refrigerate them until ready to serve. It is recommended to remove the balls from the fridge 30 minutes before serving. And that's it! A simple, tasty snack, perfect for any occasion.
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Spices and herbs
Cheese and bacon balls can be made with a variety of spices and herbs, depending on your taste preferences.
Some recipes suggest using garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, while others recommend adding in parsley, dill, or chives for a fresh flavor. You can also experiment with different spices like dried oregano, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and onion powder. If you want to add some spice, include cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
In addition to the spices and herbs, you can also add in other ingredients like sour cream, mayonnaise, or ranch dressing to enhance the flavor and texture of the cheese and bacon balls.
When it comes to coating the cheese and bacon balls, you have several options. You can roll them in chopped nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds, to add a crunchy outer layer. Alternatively, you can coat them in bacon bits, fresh herbs, or even crushed tortilla chips.
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How to shape the mixture
Shaping the mixture for cheese and bacon balls is a simple process. Firstly, it is important to chill the mixture in the refrigerator for around 10-15 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and form into balls. You can also freeze the mixture for a shorter amount of time if you are in a hurry.
Next, you can use a measuring spoon or a cookie scoop to scoop out the mixture and form it into balls. For bite-sized cheese and bacon balls, a recommended size is 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter. This size is perfect for popping into your mouth with a cracker. If you want to be creative, you can also try forming the mixture into different shapes, such as footballs or stars.
After shaping the mixture into balls, it is time to coat them. You can roll the balls in a mixture of bacon, nuts, or other textured ingredients. This coating adds a crunchy texture and enhances the flavour of the cheese and bacon balls.
Finally, place the coated balls back into the refrigerator to chill until firm. This will help them hold their shape and make them easier to serve. You can also freeze the cheese and bacon balls at this stage for up to a month if you want to prepare them in advance.
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Storage and serving
Cheese and bacon balls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To store them, wrap the balls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. It is recommended that you remove the cheese and bacon balls from the fridge about half an hour to an hour before serving to allow them to return to room temperature.
If you want to make the cheese and bacon mixture ahead of time, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week before rolling it into balls. However, once the mixture has been rolled in bacon, the balls should be consumed within 24 to 48 hours, depending on how soggy the bacon becomes.
Cheese and bacon balls do not need to be heated and can be served immediately after being removed from the fridge. They can be served as an appetizer or snack, alongside crackers, vegetables, pretzels, or other make-ahead snacks such as honey-roasted nuts, deviled eggs, parmesan crisps, and homemade pork rinds.
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Variations
Cheese and bacon balls are a great snack for parties and gatherings. They are made by combining different types of cheese, spices, and bacon. While some recipes call for cheddar and cream cheese, others suggest adding parmesan, pecorino romano, or provolone. The cheese is mixed with spices and crumbled bacon, and the mixture is shaped into balls. The balls are then coated in bacon bits, pecans, sesame seeds, or other creative toppings.
The classic cheese and bacon ball recipe can be modified in various ways to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some variations to consider:
- Cheese Selection: While cheddar and cream cheese are commonly used, you can experiment with different types of cheese. Try using sharper cheeses like extra-sharp cheddar or adding other cheeses like parmesan, pecorino romano, or provolone for a more complex flavour.
- Toppings and Coatings: The traditional coating for cheese and bacon balls is bacon bits, but you can get creative and use other toppings. Some alternatives include oregano, paprika, chopped pecans, sesame seeds, or even crushed pretzels for a crunchy texture.
- Add-Ins: To give your cheese and bacon balls a unique twist, you can incorporate add-ins like ranch dressing mix, dried minced onion, garlic powder, green onions, poppy seeds, or even beer for a surprising kick.
- Spiciness: If you prefer your snacks with a kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the recipe. Alternatively, you can add jalapenos or Worcestershire sauce to give your cheese and bacon balls a spicy edge.
- Presentation: Instead of making one large cheese ball, you can make smaller, bite-sized balls that are easier to serve and eat. You can also insert a pretzel stick into each ball to make them more inviting to pick up.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian-friendly version, omit the bacon from the recipe. You can replace the bacon bits with other toppings like chopped nuts or seeds, or simply enjoy the cheese balls without the bacon coating.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese and bacon balls are made from a mixture of cheeses, spices, and bacon bits. The cheeses used are typically cream cheese, cheddar, and parmesan, while bacon bits are used to coat the cheese mixture.
Aside from bacon bits, there are several other ingredients that can be used to coat the cheese mixture, including oregano, paprika, chopped pecans, sesame seeds, or pretzels.
Other ingredients that can be added to the cheese and bacon mixture include garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, parsley, cayenne pepper, ranch dressing mix, dried minced onion, and garlic powder.
Cheese and bacon balls can be made up to a week in advance without the bacon coating. Once coated in bacon, they will last for about 24-48 hours, depending on how soggy the bacon becomes.
The number of cheese and bacon balls you can make will depend on the size you make them. Typically, you can expect to make around 12 balls using a measuring tablespoon to scoop the mixture out of the bowl. However, you can make them smaller or larger if desired.
