Rich BLT Cheese Ball

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If you ask me, party appetizers don’t get much better than a good cheese ball.

This BLT-inspired version takes all the things we love about the classic sandwich and rolls them into a creamy, crowd-pleasing starter. Crispy bacon bits and fresh tomatoes mix with smooth cream cheese, while a coating of crunchy lettuce adds that familiar feel.

It’s shaped into a ball and chilled until firm, making it perfect for spreading on your favorite crackers or crusty bread. A sprinkle of extra bacon on top gives it that final touch that’ll make everyone smile.

It’s an easy-to-make appetizer that’s always a hit at gatherings, and let’s be honest – who doesn’t love a good BLT?

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What Kind of Cream Cheese Should I Use?

Regular full-fat cream cheese is your best bet for this cheese ball recipe, as it provides the richest flavor and best texture. While you could use lower-fat versions like Neufchâtel or light cream cheese, they tend to be softer and might make your cheese ball less firm. The most important thing is making sure your cream cheese is properly softened at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes before starting – this helps prevent any lumps in your final cheese ball. If you’re in a hurry, avoid microwaving the cream cheese to soften it, as this can make the texture inconsistent and too soft to hold its shape.

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Options for Substitutions

This easy cheese ball recipe can be adapted with several simple swaps:

• Cream cheese: If you need a lighter option, try using Neufchâtel cheese (⅓ less fat cream cheese) or a mix of cream cheese and Greek yogurt (use 1½ packages cream cheese and ½ cup thick Greek yogurt). Just note that Greek yogurt will make the cheese ball slightly less firm.
• BLT Dip Mix: Can’t find BLT Dip Mix? Make your own by combining 1 tablespoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon dried dill, and a pinch of black pepper.
• Bacon Pieces: While real bacon gives the best flavor, you can use turkey bacon pieces for a lighter option. You can also cook and crumble your own bacon (about 8-10 strips). For a vegetarian version, try using bacon-flavored bits or even finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a different but tasty twist.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making a BLT cheese ball is working with cream cheese that’s not properly softened – cold cream cheese will leave you with lumps and an uneven texture, so make sure to let it sit at room temperature for at least 1-2 hours before starting.

Another common mistake is mixing all ingredients at once, which can lead to uneven distribution – instead, beat the cream cheese until smooth first, then gradually add the dip mix and bacon pieces while mixing on low speed.

To prevent your cheese ball from becoming too soft while shaping, pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes after mixing but before rolling into its final form, and keep your hands slightly damp (not wet) while shaping to prevent the mixture from sticking.

For the best flavor development, wrap your finished cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and let it chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight) before serving – this allows the flavors to blend together perfectly.

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What to Serve With a BLT Cheese Ball?

A cheese ball is all about having the right dippers to scoop up all that creamy goodness! For this BLT-inspired version, I love setting out a variety of crackers – butter crackers, wheat thins, and water crackers all work great. Fresh veggies like cucumber rounds, celery sticks, and cherry tomatoes make perfect crunchy alternatives that play up the BLT theme. If you’re serving this at a party, try adding some toasted baguette slices or pretzel crisps to the platter – they’re sturdy enough to handle the cream cheese and add a nice salty crunch.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: Your BLT cheese ball will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually get better after a day or two as they have time to mingle together!

Make Ahead: This is a great make-ahead appetizer! You can prepare it up to 2 days before your event. Just keep it wrapped in the fridge and add any extra bacon pieces on top right before serving to maintain their crunch.

Serve: Take your cheese ball out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before serving to let it soften slightly – this makes it easier to spread. If you notice the bacon on top starting to lose its crunch, you can always sprinkle on some fresh pieces just before serving.

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 800-900
• Protein: 20-25 g
• Fat: 70-80 g
• Carbohydrates: 8-12 g

Ingredients

• 2 packages softened cream cheese
• 1 packet blt dip seasoning
• 1 package bacon bits

Step 1: Blend Cream Cheese and Seasoning

• 2 packages softened cream cheese
• 1 packet BLT dip seasoning

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the BLT dip seasoning.

Blend together until the mixture is smooth and the seasoning is evenly incorporated throughout the cream cheese.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed thoroughly.

I like to make sure the cream cheese is fully softened—it blends much more easily this way.

Step 2: Shape the Cheese Ball

• cream cheese and seasoning mixture (from Step 1)

Using clean hands or a spatula, gather the cream cheese mixture (from Step 1) and gently shape it into a round ball.

Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth; as it chills later, the ball will firm up and become easier to shape.

Step 3: Coat with Bacon Bits

• 1 package bacon bits
• cheese ball (from Step 2)

Spread the bacon bits out on a plate.

Roll the cream cheese ball (from Step 2) over the bacon bits, pressing gently so they stick to the outside and evenly coat the surface.

Turn the ball as needed to cover all sides.

Step 4: Chill the Cheese Ball

Place the bacon-coated cheese ball on a clean plate and cover it with plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up and for the flavors to meld together.

I sometimes let it chill for longer if I have the time—the flavors only get better!

Step 5: Serve

Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and set it out on a serving plate.

Serve with your favorite crackers, veggies, or bread, and enjoy your delicious homemade cheese ball.