Chive & Bacon Cheese Ball
/This festive Chive & Bacon Cheese Ball is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer for any gathering, but it feels extra special during the holiday season. Packed with sharp cheddar, savory bacon, and a vibrant everything bagel and chive crust, it comes together in minutes and is guaranteed to disappear fast!
INGREDIENTS HIGHLIGHTS
The Cheese Ball Base
Cream Cheese & Cheddar: A lush, double-dairy foundation using softened full-fat cream cheese paired with sharp shredded cheddar for a rich, savory bite.
Worcestershire & Garlic: A savory splash of Worcestershire sauce and a dusting of garlic powder to build a deep, umami-forward backbone.
Crispy Bacon Bits: Extra-crispy bacon, finely crunched into tiny bits and folded directly into the creamy interior for smoky texture in every bite.
The Outer Coating
More Crunched Bacon: A generous blanket of extra-crispy bacon bits pressed onto the exterior for a satisfying, savory crunch.
Everything Bagel Seasoning: A vibrant blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, and onion that brings a signature bakery-style crunch and depth.
Chive Powder: Finely ground freeze-dried chives (or thoroughly dried fresh green onions) that coat the outside in a pop of vibrant green color and fresh, savory onion flavor.
HOW TO MAKE IT
Make the Ball: In a large bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and the first portion of crunched bacon bits until fully combined. I used chef gloves and my hands to mix the ingredients, though a sturdy silicone spatula works wonderfully if you prefer a utensil. Use plastic wrap to help shape the mixture tightly into a ball, then place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least two hours so it thoroughly firms up.
Coat the Ball: When you are ready to serve, mix together the remaining crunched bacon bits, Everything Bagel seasoning, and vibrant green chive powder in a shallow dish. Remove the chilled cheese ball from the fridge, unwrap it, and roll it firmly in the coating mixture, pressing gently so the bacon, seeds, and chive powder adhere completely to the surface, before letting it sit out for 15 to 20 minutes.
Serve it with your favorite crackers. I recommend plain crackers since the Cheese Ball is so wonderfully flavorful.
Holiday Cheese Ball
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the Base: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and the first portion of crunched bacon bits until fully combined.
- Shape and Chill: Form the mixture into a ball using plastic wrap to help shape it tightly. Place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours so it firms up.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish or plate, mix together the second portion of crunched bacon bits, the Everything Bagel seasoning, and the chive powder.
- Coat and Serve: Remove the cheese ball from the fridge, unwrap it, and roll it firmly in the coating mixture, pressing gently so the bacon, seeds, and vibrant green chive powder adhere to the surface. Let it sit out for 15–20 minutes before serving with your favorite crackers.
