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Cowboy Cream Cheese Ball coated in chopped pecans and crispy bacon bits, surrounded by crackers on a black plate.

Cowboy Cream Cheese Ball

This cowboy cream cheese ball is a bold, savory appetizer packed with cheddar, beef bacon, peppers, and smoky spices. Rolled in crunchy pecans, it’s a crowd-pleasing snack perfect for parties and gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cheese Ball
  • 16 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup beef bacon cooked and finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup green onions finely sliced
  • 1/4 cup roasted red peppers finely chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt
Coating & Serving
  • 1/2 cup pecans chopped
  • crackers or vegetable sticks for serving

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  2. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
  3. Add the beef bacon, green onions, and roasted red peppers, mixing evenly.
  4. Season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
  5. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the mixture to firm up.
  7. Shape the chilled mixture into a ball using clean hands.
  8. Roll the cheese ball in chopped pecans, pressing gently so they adhere.
  9. Refrigerate for another 30 minutes before serving with crackers or vegetable sticks.

Notes

You can prepare this cheese ball a day in advance and keep it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if desired.