Cheesy Dill Pickle Bacon Cheese Ball Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Dill Pickle Bacon Cheese Ball is a savory and tangy appetizer perfect for any gathering. Creamy, crunchy, and bursting with flavor, it combines dill pickles, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese into one irresistible bite.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup chopped dill pickles, patted dry
• 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic, fresh or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 slices cooked bacon, chopped small, divided
• 1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar (white and yellow), divided
• 5 green onions, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped dill pickles, dill pickle juice, minced garlic (or garlic powder), onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well until evenly blended.
2. Step 2: Add half of the chopped cooked bacon to the mixture and stir to combine. Then add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and mix again. Finally, fold in half of the chopped green onions.
3. Step 3: With damp hands, shape the mixture into a round cheese ball and place it on a serving plate.
4. Step 4: Coat the outside of the cheese ball with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, chopped bacon, and green onions, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Step 5: Cover the cheese ball tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and the shape to firm up.
6. Step 6: About 30 minutes before serving, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator to let it soften slightly for easier spreading.

Tips & Variations

• For extra tang, add a touch more dill pickle juice to the mixture.
• Use smoked cheddar for a deeper flavor profile.
• Substitute green onions with finely chopped fresh chives for a milder onion taste.
• Serve with assorted crackers or fresh vegetable sticks for easy dipping.

Storage

Store any leftover cheese ball tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving again, let it sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes to soften. Avoid freezing as it may alter the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?

Yes, preparing it a day in advance is ideal to let the flavors fully develop. Just remember to cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

What can I serve with this cheese ball?

This cheese ball pairs well with crackers, toasted baguette slices, pretzels, or fresh vegetables like celery, carrots, and bell pepper strips.

Cheesy Dill Pickle Bacon Cheese Ball Recipe

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This Cheesy Dill Pickle Bacon Cheese Ball is a flavorful and crowd-pleasing appetizer combining creamy cream cheese, tangy dill pickles, savory bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for parties or gatherings, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time for convenience.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes (for cooking bacon)
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: About 10 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Ball Mixture

• 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup chopped dill pickles, patted dry
• 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic, fresh or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped small (half of total bacon)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (white and yellow), divided
• 2.5 green onions, chopped (half of total)

Coating

• 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped small (remaining half)
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (remaining)
• 2.5 green onions, chopped (remaining half)

Instructions

1. Prepare the mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped dill pickles, dill pickle juice, minced garlic (or garlic powder), onion powder, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Add bacon and cheese: Stir in half of the cooked, chopped bacon, followed by 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well to distribute the flavors.
3. Incorporate green onions: Add half of the chopped green onions into the mixture and combine evenly.
4. Shape the cheese ball: Using damp hands to prevent sticking, shape the mixture into a compact ball. Place it on a serving plate.
5. Coat the cheese ball: Roll and press the cheese ball in the remaining shredded cheddar, chopped bacon, and green onions to fully coat the exterior, creating a flavorful crust.
6. Chill: Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and the cheese ball to firm up.
7. Serve: Remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes prior to serving to allow it to soften slightly for easier spreading.

Notes

• For best results, pat the chopped dill pickles dry to prevent excess moisture.
• Use freshly cooked bacon for crunchier texture and better flavor.
• Feel free to customize the cheese blend by adding your favorite sharp or mild cheeses.
• If you want to make this recipe ahead, the cheese ball can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before serving.
• Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetable sticks for a complete appetizer experience.

Keywords: cheese ball, dill pickle, bacon, appetizer, party food, creamy cheese ball, cheddar cheese