Pecan Bacon Cheeseball

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This Pecan Bacon Cheeseball is my all-time favorite recipe for last-minute appetizers or party prep. It’s creamy, flavorful, and crunchy on the outside, and it comes together in just minutes—no oven required! It's the perfect recipe for game night, a holiday gathering, or just an easy snack for a cozy weekend at home.

A round cheeseball coated with chopped pecans, bacon bits, and scallions, placed on a plate and surrounded by crackers.

I love that it uses simple ingredients I usually have on hand—cheddar, cream cheese, bacon bits, and a few pantry seasonings. Also, you can make it ahead and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve, which is a huge win for this busy mom.

If you’re looking for more easy and crowd-pleasing appetizer ideas, be sure to check out my 11 Cold Dips Perfect for Party Appetizers. They’re perfect for pairing with crackers, chips, or veggies.

A round cheeseball coated with pecans, bacon bits, and scallions on a plate surrounded by crackers, with a hand taking a portion using a cracker.

Ingredients

Cream Cheese: The base that holds this cheeseball together.
Cheddar Cheese: Adds richness and flavor to every bite.
Bacon Bits: Bring a delicious crunch and umami flavor.
Pecans: For a buttery crunch that complements the cheese and bacon.
Scallions: Provide a crisp, oniony bite that balances the richness.
Milk: Adds a bit of creaminess and helps blend the ingredients smoothly.
Everything Bagel Seasoning: Boosts the flavor with a savory crunch.
Onion Powder: A warm, slightly sweet onion flavor that enhances the cheeseball.
Garlic Powder: Adds depth with a subtle garlic flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
Salt: Brings out all the rich flavors and balances the cheeseball.
Black Crushed Pepper: Gives just the right amount of spice and warmth.

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Pecan Bacon Cheeseball

A mixing bowl with cheeseball ingredients being combined.

In a medium bowl, add the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, all the seasonings, and milk. Mix using a hand mixer until the mixture is smooth and blended.

Add half of the bacon bits, scallions, and pecans. Make sure to chop those into smaller pieces first.

A cheeseball wrapped in plastic wrap, ready to be shaped.

Place a sheet of plastic wrap on the counter and transfer the cheese mixture onto it. Wrap it completely and shape it into a ball. Chill the cheeseball in the fridge for about 20 minutes.

A bowl with the cheeseball mixture and other ingredients, not yet coated.

In a shallow bowl, combine the rest of the chopped pecans, bacon bits, and scallions. Take the cheeseball out of the fridge.

A hand wearing gloves holding a cheeseball, gently coating it with ingredients.

Roll it in the shallow bowl to fully coat the outside with the remaining mixture.

Serve with crackers or anything else you like.

Hint: Let your cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing—it’ll blend much easier and give you that smooth, creamy texture without any lumps!

Substitutions & Variations

If you don't have triple cheddar, try sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick.
For bacon bits, real crumbled bacon gives the best flavor, but store-bought bacon bits work in a pinch. Turkey bacon works too!
Not a fan of pecans? Chopped walnuts or almonds are great alternatives.
For milk, use any milk you have—dairy or non-dairy both work fine.
If you don’t have everything bagel seasoning, a mix of sesame seeds, dried onion, and poppy seeds will get you close!

💭Crucial Success Tips

Soften the cream cheese before mixing—cold cream cheese is tough to blend smoothly.
Chop your mix-ins (bacon, scallions, and pecans) into smaller bits so they spread evenly through the cheeseball.
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and give it a gentle roll to form a nice, round shape.
Chill before coating—this helps the cheeseball hold its shape while rolling in the toppings.
Use a shallow bowl or plate when coating the outside—it makes the process less messy and more even.

FAQ

Can I make this cheeseball ahead of time?

Yes! It actually gets better as it chills. You can make it up to 2 days in advance, just keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge.

What can I serve this with?

Crackers are a classic, but it’s also great with pretzels, veggie sticks, or even toasted baguette slices.

How do I keep it from getting too soft?

Make sure it's chilled before serving, especially if your kitchen is warm. It holds up best when cold.

📖 Recipe

8-10 servings

Pecan Bacon Cheeseball

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Additional Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

This pecan bacon cheeseball is an easy, no-bake snack that’s packed with flavor and crunch. It’s creamy, cheesy, and coated with bacon, pecans, and scallions—perfect for spreading on crackers or serving as a party appetizer.

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese
1 cup shredded triple cheddar cheese
½ cup bacon bits
½ cup chopped pecans
¼ cup sliced scallions
2 tablespoon milk (of your choice)
2 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt, to taste
Crushed black pepper, to taste

Instructions

In a medium bowl, add the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, all the seasonings, and milk. Mix using a hand mixer until the mixture is smooth and blended.
Add half of the bacon bits, scallions, and pecans. Make sure to chop those into smaller pieces first.
Place a sheet of plastic wrap on the counter and transfer the cheese mixture onto it. Wrap it completely and shape it into a ball. Chill the cheeseball in the fridge for about 20 minutes.
In a shallow bowl, combine the rest of the chopped pecans, bacon bits, and scallions. Take the cheeseball out of the fridge.
Roll it in the shallow bowl to fully coat the outside with the remaining mixture.
Serve with crackers or anything else you like.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 199Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 352mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 7g

How to Store Pecan Bacon Cheeseball

Wrap your cheeseball tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4–5 days. If you've already rolled it in the coating, you can gently press on any loose pieces before serving to freshen up the look.