Bacon-Beer Cheese Ball

Every party needs a cheese ball, right?Especially a cheese ball with BEER and bacon. This is a riff on my favorite beer cheese recipe, plus a beer-cheese ball I saw on Plays Well with Butter‘s IG feed. It’s great on crackers and pretzels, and having leftovers for snacking after the party is never a sad thing.This recipe has crisp bacon, sharp Cheddar, cream cheese, Worcestershire, dry mustard, garlic and paprika. Choosing the right beer is crucial here-you need something strong enough to really come through and flavor the cheese ball. IPA is never a choice I make when drinking beer, but it’s the perfect addition to this. It’s strong, bitter flavor really cuts through the richness of the cheese ball while still tasting like beer. Roll the ball (okay, it probably won’t actually be shaped like a ball, but close enough) in more crisp bacon, cheddar and green onions. It’s perfect for all your party or game-day needs: easily transportable, great at room temperature, and serves a lot of people. Plus there’s BEER ICYMI.

Bacon-Beer Cheese Ball

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• Author: Amanda
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings

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Description

The perfect party or game-day appetizer! Bacon, beer, cheese, garlic, Worcestershire, paprika all rolled into a ball and served with crackers or pretzels. Easily transportable, great at room temperature and serves a lot of people!

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Ingredients

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• 8 slices bacon, cooked until crisp
• 3 cups (12 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely grate 10 ounces and finely grate 2 ounces
• 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/3 cup IPA beer
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Cayenne pepper, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• Ritz crackers, for serving

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Instructions

1. In the bowl of a food processor, combine 10 ounces coarsely grated cheddar cheese, cream cheese, IPA, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne and freshly ground black pepper.  Process until completely smooth.
2. Add 5 slices of the bacon and half of the sliced green onions.  Pulse to finely chop into the cheese mixture.  Taste for seasonings and adjust if necessary.  Place into the center of a piece of plastic wrap and form into a ball shape.  Place in the freezer for 15 minutes to set up.
3. To make the coating, very finely chop 3 slices of bacon.  Combine with the finely grated cheddar cheese in a shallow bowl.  Once the cheese ball has set, roll in the coating until completely covered.  Top with the remaining half of the sliced green onions and serve with Ritz crackers.

• Category: Cheese, Appetizers