Description
Beef Bacon Cheese Balls are a savory, flavorful appetizer that combines the rich taste of beef, smoky bacon, and creamy cheese in one bite-sized treat. These irresistible cheese balls are packed with protein and flavor, making them perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or any time you want a delicious snack. Whether served as an appetizer or a snack, these Beef Bacon Cheese Balls will quickly become a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 6 slices cooked bacon (chopped)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (optional)
- 1/2 cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Ground Beef: Beef is the main ingredient in these cheese balls, providing a hearty, savory base that pairs perfectly with the cheese and bacon.
- Bacon: The crispy bacon adds a smoky flavor that elevates the taste of the beef and cheese, making the balls even more irresistible.
- Cream Cheese: Cream cheese gives the cheese balls a smooth, creamy texture that binds the ingredients together.
- Cheddar and Parmesan: Cheddar provides a sharp, tangy flavor, while Parmesan adds a salty, nutty kick to balance the richness of the other ingredients.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth of flavor with a bit of umami and tang.
- Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika complements the bacon’s flavor and enhances the overall smokiness of the cheese balls.
Instructions
Prepare the Meat Mixture:
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Once done, remove it from the pan, chop it into small pieces, and set aside to cool.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In the same skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, chopped bacon, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
Shape the Cheese Balls:
- Form the Balls: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the beef and cheese mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
- Chill the Balls: Once all the balls are formed, place them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Coat the Cheese Balls:
- Crush the Crackers or Breadcrumbs: In a shallow bowl, crush the crackers or breadcrumbs until fine. You can use a food processor or crush them by hand.
- Coat the Cheese Balls: Roll each chilled cheese ball in the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully coated. If desired, you can also roll them in chopped parsley for extra color and flavor.
Serve:
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the beef bacon cheese balls on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve with toothpicks for easy serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes (for beef bacon)
Nutrition
- Calories: 150-180 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 10g