Ultimate Everything Cheese Ball Duo
Elevate your appetizer game with these impressive Ultimate Everything Cheese Ball Duo! Perfect for entertaining, each savory ball is a delicious blend of creamy cheeses, crunchy bacon, and zesty pimentos, all rolled together in a vibrant topping. Serve these big, baseball-sized delights at your next gathering to wow your friends and family. They are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a game day celebration, or a casual get-together, these cheese balls offer a unique twist on a classic favorite that is sure to be the star of the spread. Note: This recipe makes a generous amount, ideal for sharing or enjoying as leftovers. Just make sure to allow some chill time for the flavors to meld beautifully!
20
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Shredded Swiss cheese
2 cups (shredded)
Shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups (shredded)
Cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Sour cream
1/2 cup
Chopped onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
Pimiento
2 ounces (from jar, undrained)
Sweet pickle relish
2 tablespoons
Bacon
10 slices (cooked, drained, and crumbled)
Pecans
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
Salt
1 dash
Pepper
1 dash
Parsley
1/4 cup (snipped)
Poppy seeds
1 tablespoon
Assorted crackers
as needed (for serving)
Instructions
1
Allow shredded Swiss and cheddar cheeses to reach room temperature for optimal mixing.
2
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3
Gradually add the room temperature Swiss cheese, cheddar cheese, chopped onion, undrained pimiento, sweet pickle relish, half of the crumbled bacon, 1/4 cup of chopped pecans, salt, and pepper. Blend until well combined.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture until it firms up, about 1-2 hours.
5
Once the cheese mixture is firm, transfer it onto a sheet of wax paper and shape it into either 1 large ball or 2 smaller balls.
6
In a separate small bowl, mix the remaining crumbled bacon, chopped pecans, snipped parsley, and poppy seeds until evenly combined.
7
Carefully roll the cheese balls in the mixture to thoroughly coat them.
8
Wrap the coated cheese balls in wax paper or plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
9
Before serving, let the cheese balls sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften slightly for easier spreading.
10
Serve these delightful cheese balls with an assortment of your favorite crackers for an irresistible appetizer.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Everything Cheese Ball Duo?
It is a savory appetizer featuring two baseball-sized cheese balls made from a blend of cream cheese, Swiss, and cheddar, mixed with bacon, pimientos, and pecans, then rolled in a crunchy topping.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe is designed to serve approximately 20 people.
What types of cheese are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses shredded Swiss cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and softened cream cheese.
How much Swiss cheese is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese.
Should the shredded cheeses be at room temperature before mixing?
Yes, allowing the shredded Swiss and cheddar cheeses to reach room temperature ensures optimal mixing.
How do I start preparing the cheese base?
Begin by using an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Do I need to drain the pimientos?
No, the recipe specifies using 2 ounces of undrained pimiento from a jar.
What type of relish is used in the cheese ball?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of sweet pickle relish.
How much bacon is needed and how is it prepared?
You need 10 slices of bacon that have been cooked, drained, and crumbled.
Is all the bacon mixed into the cheese?
No, half of the crumbled bacon is mixed into the cheese, while the other half is saved for the outer coating.
What kind of nuts are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans.
How are the pecans divided in the recipe?
1/4 cup of chopped pecans is blended into the cheese mixture, and the remaining 1/4 cup is used for the outer coating.
Does the recipe include onion?
Yes, it includes 1/2 cup of chopped onion mixed into the cheese base.
How long should the cheese mixture be refrigerated before shaping?
The mixture should be covered and refrigerated for about 1 to 2 hours until it firms up.
Can I make one large ball instead of two?
Yes, once the mixture is firm, you can shape it into either 1 large ball or 2 smaller balls.
What ingredients make up the outer coating?
The coating consists of the remaining bacon and pecans, along with snipped parsley and poppy seeds.
How much poppy seeds are used?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds for the coating.
How is the parsley prepared?
You should use 1/4 cup of snipped parsley for the outer coating.
How should the cheese balls be handled after coating?
They should be wrapped in wax paper or plastic wrap and chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Should the cheese balls be served straight from the fridge?
No, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften slightly for easier spreading.
What should I serve with the cheese balls?
They are best served with an assortment of your favorite crackers.
Is there sour cream in the cheese mixture?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 cup of sour cream to help create a creamy texture.
What seasonings are used in the cheese balls?
The recipe calls for a dash of salt and a dash of pepper.
What makes this recipe ideal for entertaining?
It makes a generous amount, is visually impressive, and offers a unique twist on classic cheese ball flavors.
Is the cheddar cheese shredded or in blocks?
The recipe specifies 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
How do you apply the topping to the cheese balls?
Carefully roll the shaped cheese balls in the bacon and pecan mixture to thoroughly coat the entire surface.
What tool is recommended for mixing the cream cheese?
An electric mixer is recommended to ensure the cream cheese and sour cream become light and fluffy.
How are the cheese balls shaped?
Transfer the firm mixture onto a sheet of wax paper and use your hands to shape it into balls.
Can this recipe be used for game day?
Yes, it is highly recommended for game day celebrations, holiday parties, or casual get-togethers.
Are there any leftover tips?
The recipe makes a generous amount, making it ideal for sharing or enjoying as delicious leftovers later.