Now that football season has kicked off that means one thing…Parties! No one wants to be the one who pulls out the same old chips and three-layer dip. Let us help you spice it up with a great bacon and cheese ball that is not only delicious but will have your guest asking, how? The prep time is only about 20 minutes but there is an hour of refrigerator time before prep.

 

Ingredients

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (can use another type of cheese of choice)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup crumbled cooked bacon (about 12 strips), divided
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted, divided
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 jar (2 ounces) diced pimientos, drained
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley

 

Directions

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Stir in shredded cheeses, 1/2 cup bacon, 1/4 cup pecans, onion, pimientos, pickle relish, salt and pepper. Refrigerate, covered, at least 1 hour.

In a small bowl, mix parsley, poppy seeds and remaining bacon and pecans. Spread half the parsley mixture on a large plate. Shape half the cheese mixture into a ball; roll in parsley mixture to coat evenly. Cover. Repeat to make another cheese ball. Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Serve with crackers or bread of your choice.