• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Homemade In The Kitchen

Small Batch Recipes and Recipes For Two

  • About
  • Recipes
  • Work With Me
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

December 26, 2013

Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball

Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball is a giant ball of cream cheese and cheddar rolled around in bacon. It’s the perfect snack to serve for parties, holiday gatherings, tailgating, wine and cheese parties, and more.


Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball

Hope everyone had a great Christmas! Now it’s time to bring in the New Year.

I’m lame and pretty much don’t do anything on New Year’s Eve. A few times I’ve gone out, but I mainly stay home with family to watch Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve while we stuff our faces with cheese ball, which is the inspiration for today’s Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball.

It’s a big ball of cheddar mixed with cream cheese then rolled in real bacon. The best way to end the year is with cheese and bacon!


Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball

We always have cheese ball every New Year’s Eve. It goes Ritz crackers, cheese ball, slice of beef stick. They last maybe 30 seconds on the plate then we have to make more.

Usually we just buy cheese ball from the store, but I wanted to try making it by hand. It’s actually much easier than I thought. You just have to be patient because it requires time to chill before rolling in bacon and serving.

What ingredients are in a cheese ball?

Typically the base of a cheese ball is made with cream cheese. Then you add your flavorings such as shredded cheese, onion, garlic, peppers, green onion, bacon, nuts – really the ideas are endless.

It’s important to use full-fat cream cheese because fat free cream cheese is too watery and will affect the texture of your cheese ball after sitting around.

The original recipe I adapted had more cream cheese than cheddar, which is the opposite of what I wanted. I kept adding more and more cheddar until I was happy.

I used a block of sharp cheddar which I grated by hand. Feel free to use mild or sharp, block or preshredded.

Next is the bacon! It’s important to use fresh, crispy bacon and not imitation bacon bits. They may work in salads and dip mixes but not for this cheese ball. Real bacon always makes it better.


Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball

How do you make a homemade cheese ball?

Making a homemade cheese ball is really easy! Beat all of the ingredients together, form a ball, then chill. That’s it!

Chilling the cheese ball means you can easily make it ahead of time, which is especially useful when you have a big party coming up.

How do you make cheese ball bites?

Instead of rolling the cheddar cheese ball into one large ball, use a #60 cookie scoop (affiliate link) and roll them into 1 inch balls.

How long do cheese balls last?

Without the bacon, this cheddar cheese ball can be made up to a week ahead of time. Once you roll it in bacon, it’ll last probably about 24-48 hours, depending on how soggy the bacon gets.

Is it ok to freeze cheese ball?

I personally wouldn’t recommend freezing this bacon cheddar cheese ball because freezing will drastically change the texture of the cream cheese. It will become too gritty.

You can refrigerate it up to a week ahead of time without ruining the texture. Tightly wrap your naked cheese ball in plastic wrap. Right before serving, roll it in bacon.


Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball
Of course don’t let New Year’s Eve be the only occasion for this bacon cheddar cheese ball! Make it for parties, football games, and other get together events.

You can even have a wine and cheese party. And if you do end up making this for a wine and cheese party, don’t forget to invite me.

More Cheese Ball Recipes

  • Mini Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball Bites
  • Goat Cheese, Bacon, and Pistachio Cheese Ball Bites
  • Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheese Ball
 

Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball

Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball

Yield: 6-8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time : 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball is a giant ball of cream cheese and cheddar rolled around in bacon. It's the perfect snack to serve for parties, holiday gatherings, tailgating, wine and cheese parties, and more.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened (do not use fat free)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup crumbled bacon (fresh, not bacon bits)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt.
  2. Form the mixture into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  3. In a small shallow bowl, add the bacon. Unwrap the cheese ball and roll into the bacon until completely covered. Refrigerate until ready to serve. For easier spreading, let sit at room temperature 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Without the bacon, this cheese ball can be made up to a week ahead of time. Once you roll it in bacon, it'll last about 24-48 hours, depending on how soggy the bacon gets.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

© Carla Cardello
Cuisine: American / Category: Cheese Balls
Source: Adapted from Food Network

Filed Under: Appetizers + Party Foods, Cheese Balls Tagged With: bacon, cheddar cheese, Christmas, cream cheese, Game Day

Did you make my recipe?

Please let me know by sharing a photo in my private Facebook group or uploading and tagging me on Instagram using #HITKrecipes (Note: If your Instagram account is private, I won't be able to see your photo)

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Liz says

    December 26, 2013 at 10:02 AM

    Thank you. Happy Holidays!

    Reply
    • Carla says

      December 26, 2013 at 10:10 AM

      Happy Holidays, Liz!

      Reply
  2. Stacy says

    December 26, 2013 at 6:39 PM

    I cannot agree more, Carla! There is no better way to welcome the new year than with a bacon-covered cheese ball! I could eat that whole thing all by myself.

    Reply
  3. Susan says

    December 26, 2013 at 10:45 PM

    Did someone say bacon? Best way to ring in the new year in my book!

    Reply
  4. Anna (Hidden Ponies) says

    December 27, 2013 at 12:00 PM

    What better food to roll a cheese ball in? And I agree, more cheddar is better :) Merry Christmas yet!

    Reply
  5. Rachel says

    December 27, 2013 at 6:34 PM

    Genius! I would probably eat that entire cheese ball by myself.

    Reply
  6. Liz says

    December 28, 2013 at 7:36 AM

    This would definitely be hubby approved! I need to make some appetizers for a NYD party so off to check your jalapeño popper dip, too :) Happy New Year, Carla! xo

    Reply
  7. Joybee says

    December 31, 2013 at 1:01 AM

    I love cheese balls. My family used to always get one for new years (when I was a kid). What is it about cheese balls for new years? I also love bacon so this recipe is perfect for me I can’t wait to try it. Anything wrapped or covered with bacon is a must try for me :)

    Reply
  8. Anita at Hungry Couple says

    December 31, 2013 at 9:32 AM

    Hmm…let me think. Do I want a giant ball of cheese with bacon on it? Well, yes, yes I do! :)

    Reply
  9. Amparo says

    January 28, 2014 at 8:37 PM

    Does the cheese meld well together?

    Reply
    • Carla says

      January 28, 2014 at 10:14 PM

      Yes, as shown in the photos

      Reply
  10. Aurica says

    March 4, 2014 at 8:44 AM

    that’s look so crunchy and very tasty aperitif..they don’t resist to much in front of me :D

    Reply
  11. Christy says

    December 17, 2016 at 2:35 PM

    Trying to make this for my church’s Christmas party and I’m missing one little ingredient… does it HAVE to have the onion powder?
    The party is tomorrow.

    Reply
    • Carla says

      December 17, 2016 at 5:45 PM

      The onion powder is a nice touch, but it won’t make or break the recipe if you don’t have it. You should be ok!

      Reply
  12. Olivia Hays says

    January 24, 2019 at 7:58 AM

    Making individual 1″ balls and using these as keto fat bombs!!

    Reply
    • Carla says

      January 24, 2019 at 9:54 AM

      Sounds like a great idea!

      Reply
  13. Lynn says

    March 22, 2019 at 12:27 PM

    I love cheese balls rolled in chopped nits. Would it work to mix the bacon in with the cheese so that I could roll the ball in nuts? I’m thinking of bacon that is chopped rather small — maybe the size of lentils? — so that you get the flavor but not the limp texture that would happen with larger pieces.

    Reply
    • Carla says

      March 22, 2019 at 12:38 PM

      I don’t see why that wouldn’t work! Sounds like a great idea.

      Reply
  14. Betty says

    October 28, 2019 at 12:06 AM

    I’m gonna triple the recipe add the bacon to the mixture and make a zombie brain for our Halloween party! Thanks for the easy recipe!

    Reply
    • Carla says

      October 28, 2019 at 11:03 AM

      What a fun idea!

      Reply
  15. Shelly says

    November 18, 2019 at 8:40 PM

    What’s the best way to freeze these?

    Reply
    • Carla says

      November 18, 2019 at 10:42 PM

      I address this question in the blog post with the title “Is it ok to freeze cheese ball?”

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Nice To Meet You!
I’m Carla, a 30-some childfree woman from Pittsburgh, PA learning how to adult alone. I'm sharing recipes for two and small batch recipes made from scratch because not everybody cooks for a crowd.

Learn more →
Subscribe
Disclosures and Disclaimers

Footer

Stay Updated

Subscribe to new recipes via email:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
© Homemade In The Kitchen. All images and content are copyright protected and registered with the United States Copyright Office. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If you want to republish a recipe, please link back to the post for the recipe. If you have any questions or would like permission, please contact me.
Disclosures, Disclaimers, and Private Policy

Latest Recipes

Baked Fish and Chips

Baked Fish And Chips

This Baked Fish And Chips recipe without beer is panko crusted cod and potato wedges made healthier by baking everything together as a sheet pan meal. Serve as a dinner for two for a fish fry at home ...

Read More

4 Inch Chocolate Cheesecake recipe

4 Inch Chocolate Cheesecake

Looking to bake cheesecake for two? This 4 Inch Chocolate Cheesecake recipe makes two mini chocolate cheesecakes in springform pans. Garnish with chocolate ganache and cherry pie filling. Last ...

Read More

4 Inch Cheesecake Recipe

4 Inch Cheesecake Recipe

Looking to bake cheesecake for two? This 4 Inch Cheesecake recipe makes two mini cheesecakes in springform pans. Garnish with cherry pie filling, strawberry sauce, and more! With Valentine's ...

Read More

Lasagna For Two

Lasagna For Two

Love lasagna but hate leftovers? Lasagna For Two baked in a loaf pan is a small baked pasta dish that makes only 4 slices. Made with a beef and ricotta cheese filling. Back in 2015, I posted my ...

Read More

Red Velvet Cupcakes (Small Batch)

Small Batch Red Velvet Cupcakes

Small Batch Red Velvet Cupcakes with cream cheese frosting are moist and delicious homemade cupcakes from scratch without a cake mix. Recipe makes 6 cupcakes. I’m backkkkk! Did you miss ...

Read More

6 Inch Gingerbread Cake

6 Inch Gingerbread Cake

This small 6 Inch Gingerbread Cake recipe made from scratch without cake mix is a moist and fluffy cake that tastes like Christmas in every bite. Despite being under a stay at home advisory in ...

Read More

Easy Mini Cheesecake Recipes

Easy Mini Cheesecake Recipes (Small Batch)

Dessert for two ideas for easy Mini Cheesecake Recipes made in a muffin pan. Small batch recipes make 6 mini cheesecakes. Once upon a time I used to be known as the Cheesecake Queen among my ...

Read More

Small Batch Mini Cheesecakes

Mini Cheesecakes (Small Batch)

Small Batch Mini Cheesecakes with a graham cracker crust are easy individual cheesecakes baked in a muffin pan. Serve with cherry pie filling as a dessert for two. Continuing my cheesecake ...

Read More

Small Chocolate Cheesecake recipe

6 Inch Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

In the mood to bake a small cheesecake? My 6 Inch Chocolate Cheesecake recipe is a chocolate dessert for two with an Oreo crust and homemade ganache. Since all of this month I brought you both ...

Read More

Copyright© 2021 · Designed by Deluxe Designs

Footer

Stay Updated

Subscribe to new recipes via email:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
© Homemade In The Kitchen. All images and content are copyright protected and registered with the United States Copyright Office. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If you want to republish a recipe, please link back to the post for the recipe. If you have any questions or would like permission, please contact me.
Disclosures, Disclaimers, and Private Policy

Latest Recipes

Baked Fish and Chips

Baked Fish And Chips

This Baked Fish And Chips recipe without beer is panko crusted cod and potato wedges made healthier by baking everything together as a sheet pan meal. Serve as a dinner for two for a fish fry at home ...

Read More

4 Inch Chocolate Cheesecake recipe

4 Inch Chocolate Cheesecake

Looking to bake cheesecake for two? This 4 Inch Chocolate Cheesecake recipe makes two mini chocolate cheesecakes in springform pans. Garnish with chocolate ganache and cherry pie filling. Last ...

Read More

4 Inch Cheesecake Recipe

4 Inch Cheesecake Recipe

Looking to bake cheesecake for two? This 4 Inch Cheesecake recipe makes two mini cheesecakes in springform pans. Garnish with cherry pie filling, strawberry sauce, and more! With Valentine's ...

Read More

Lasagna For Two

Lasagna For Two

Love lasagna but hate leftovers? Lasagna For Two baked in a loaf pan is a small baked pasta dish that makes only 4 slices. Made with a beef and ricotta cheese filling. Back in 2015, I posted my ...

Read More

Red Velvet Cupcakes (Small Batch)

Small Batch Red Velvet Cupcakes

Small Batch Red Velvet Cupcakes with cream cheese frosting are moist and delicious homemade cupcakes from scratch without a cake mix. Recipe makes 6 cupcakes. I’m backkkkk! Did you miss ...

Read More

6 Inch Gingerbread Cake

6 Inch Gingerbread Cake

This small 6 Inch Gingerbread Cake recipe made from scratch without cake mix is a moist and fluffy cake that tastes like Christmas in every bite. Despite being under a stay at home advisory in ...

Read More

Easy Mini Cheesecake Recipes

Easy Mini Cheesecake Recipes (Small Batch)

Dessert for two ideas for easy Mini Cheesecake Recipes made in a muffin pan. Small batch recipes make 6 mini cheesecakes. Once upon a time I used to be known as the Cheesecake Queen among my ...

Read More

Small Batch Mini Cheesecakes

Mini Cheesecakes (Small Batch)

Small Batch Mini Cheesecakes with a graham cracker crust are easy individual cheesecakes baked in a muffin pan. Serve with cherry pie filling as a dessert for two. Continuing my cheesecake ...

Read More

Small Chocolate Cheesecake recipe

6 Inch Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

In the mood to bake a small cheesecake? My 6 Inch Chocolate Cheesecake recipe is a chocolate dessert for two with an Oreo crust and homemade ganache. Since all of this month I brought you both ...

Read More

Copyright© 2021 · Designed by Deluxe Designs