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Easter is all about fun times, family, and, of course, sharing awesome food. This Easter Cheese Ball with Bacon & Cheddar is your ticket to impressing everyone. It’s more than just a cheese ball—it’s a party hit that looks amazing in the middle of your table.
No need to wait for a big bash to whip up something this delicious and easy. Packed with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, bell peppers, and green onions, it’s a winner for any get-together or a chill night in. Plus, it’s a fantastic match for your favorite low-carb or keto crackers, making it a smart pick for those keeping an eye on their carb intake. Super easy to make, this cheese ball could turn into your go-to Easter tradition, introducing a tasty, low-carb option to the celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Keto-Friendly: Fits right into your low-carb lifestyle.
- Pairs with Anything: Awesome with keto crackers or fresh veggies.
- Looks Amazing: It’s festive and sure to impress.
- So Easy: Quick to make, with just a bit of chill time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone will want the recipe!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Heads up: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below.
Making this show-stopping appetizer is easier than it seems! Here’s what you need:
- Cream Cheese: The creamy base that holds everything together.
- Crispy Bacon: Adds a crunch and a punch of smoky flavor.
- Garlic Salt: Brings a subtle kick that makes all the difference.
- Green Bell Pepper: Crunchy and fresh, it adds a pop of color and taste.
- Green Onions: For a little zing and freshness in every bite.
- Cheddar Cheese: Gives it that gorgeous orange color and rich, tangy taste.
- Parsley: Not just for looks—it adds a fresh, herby touch on top.
Substitutions & Swaps: Customize Your Cheese Ball
Here’s how you can play around with the recipe to make it just right for you or what you’ve got in the pantry:
- Swap for Bacon: Parma ham is a great swap for a different twist, or feta cheese if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
- Swap for Green Onions: Prefer a bit more bite? Red onions are a fantastic alternative.
- Swap for Green Bell Pepper: Feel free to swap with any other peppers you like or have on hand for a different flavor or color pop.
- Swap for Cheddar Cheese: Not a fan of cheddar? Try mozzarella for a milder taste, or gouda for a smokier vibe. You can even use shredded Gruyere, Manchego or Emmental. Red Leicester would be the perfect option if you want a vibrant orange look.
- Throw in something extras: Like sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet touch, olives for some tang, or smoked paprika for a bit of warmth.
How To Make Easter Cheese Ball
Combine the Ingredients. In a large bowl, place the cream cheese, crumbled bacon, garlic salt, chopped bell pepper, and green onions. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Shape the Cheese Ball. Lay a piece of plastic wrap on your work surface and place the cheese mixture in the center. Use your hands to form it into a carrot shape (or any shape you prefer), then wrap it tightly with the plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up.
Coat with Cheddar. Once chilled, remove the cheese ball from the plastic wrap and roll it in the shredded cheddar cheese to coat the outside.
Add Parsley for Garnish. Place a bunch of parsley at the top to create the look of a carrot top, completing the festive Easter appearance.
Ready to Serve. Serve the cheese ball with your choice of low-carb crackers or fresh vegetables. If you have leftovers, cover them and store in the refrigerator.
Tips for Best Easter Cheese Ball
- Let the Cream Cheese Soften: Before starting, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This makes it easier to mix and ensures a smooth texture.
- Finely Chop Your Add-Ins: To get the best distribution of flavors and textures, chop the bacon, bell peppers, and green onions as finely as you can.
- Chill to Set: Don’t rush the chilling process. Giving your cheese ball at least an hour in the fridge will help it firm up and hold its shape better.
- Rolling in Cheddar: For an even coat, press the shredded cheddar gently onto the surface of the cheese ball. This will also help the cheddar stick better.
Storage Instructions
The cheese ball can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Ensure it’s wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
While you can freeze the cheese ball, it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you do choose to freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving, and be aware that freezing may slightly alter the texture if ice crystals form.
How to Serve Easter Cheese Ball
When it comes to serving the Easter Cheese Ball with Bacon & Cheddar, you have a variety of delicious options that can cater to different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some top picks:
- Crackers: Offer a selection of low-carb or keto-friendly crackers for those keeping an eye on their carb intake. These provide a satisfying crunch and a sturdy base for the cheese ball.
- Toasted Keto Bread Sticks: For a heartier option, serve alongside toasted keto bread sticks. Their crispy texture and rich flavor make them a perfect companion for the creamy cheese ball.
- Crunchy Vegetables: Fresh, crunchy vegetables not only add a pop of color to your serving platter but also a refreshing contrast to the rich cheese ball. Consider vegetables like cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, and celery for dipping.
Easter Cheese Ball with Bacon & Cheddar
Ingredients
- 2 8-oz packages of cream cheese (softened at room temperature)
- 4 slices cooked crisped up bacon (crumbled)
- ½ tsp garlic salt (or ¼ tsp garlic powder + ¼ tsp sea salt)
- ½ cup minced green bell pepper
- ½ cup minced green onions
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 large bunch of parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, bacon, garlic salt, bell pepper, and green onion. Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Lay a piece of plastic wrap on your work surface. Scoop the cheese mixture onto it and use your hands to form it into a carrot shape. Wrap it tightly in the plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
- After chilling, take the cheese ball out, unwrap it, and roll it in the grated cheddar cheese to coat the outside evenly.
- To finish, place parsley at the top to resemble the green top of a carrot.
- Present with your choice of keto-friendly crackers and enjoy. For leftovers, store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutrition
Notes
- Serving Size: About ¼ (2 oz/57 g).
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the cheese ball with a variety of keto-friendly crackers and crunchy vegetables for dipping. This allows guests to enjoy a low-carb option at your gathering.
- Wrap Tightly: When shaping the cheese ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to help maintain its shape during chilling.
- Chill Thoroughly: Let the cheese ball chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This step is crucial for the cheese ball to firm up and hold its shape.
