By Kelly Bogard
2016 has been an interesting year to say the least. And I’m sure most of us are ready for a fresh start in 2017. I know I am!
And what better way to usher out the old and start new than with a party—for you and your taste buds!
I’m sure you’ll have some of the essentials like cabbage for wealth and good fortune and black-eyed peas for good luck.
But every party needs something cheesy and spicy, too! Like this week’s recipe.
For a Spicy Bacon Cheese Ball you will need…
8 slices of bacon
2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
1 package spicy ranch dressing mix
1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
1 c sharp cheddar, grated
1/2 c pecans, chopped
This Cheese Ball is a great way to spice up any party. The tangy flavors from the jalapeno heat combined with the creamy cheese are a real party for your taste buds.
Start by rough chopping your bacon and frying until almost crisp. Set the bacon aside so it can crisp up while it cools.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and dressing mix.
Then mix in the jalapeno and half of the pecans.
Crush up all of the bacon and reserve about a 1/4 cup of bacon for the outside of the cheese ball. Add in the cheddar cheese and bacon to the cheese ball mixture.
Place the cheese mixture on a sheet of plastic wrap and form into a ball.
Mix the remaining bacon with the extra pecans. Sprinkle the bacon pecan mixture over the cheese ball and coat all the sides. Wrap the ball back in the plastic wrap and chill for at least two hours before serving with crackers.
This quick and easy snack is a great way to spice up your party. We wish you health, wealth and happiness in 2017. From all of us at Texas Table Top, enjoy!

Prep Time | 10 minutes |
Passive Time | 2 hours |
Servings |
people
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- 8 slices bacon
- 2 8 oz. packages cream cheese softened
- 1 package spicy ranch dressing mix
- 1 jalapeno seeded and diced
- 1 Cup sharp cheddar cheese grated
- 1/2 Cup pecans chopped
Ingredients
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- Rough chop bacon and cook until almost crispy. Remove from heat to cool.
- Mix together cream cheese and dressing mix in a large bowl.
- Add in jalapenos and half the pecans. Stir well to combine.
- Crumble all of the bacon and set 1/4 cup aside for the outside of the cheese ball.
- Mix the remaining bacon and cheddar cheese into the cheese ball mix.
- Place the mixture on a sheet of plastic wrap and form into a ball.
- Mix together the remaining pecans and bacon.
- Sprinkle and press to the outside of the cheese ball until well coated.
- Wrap the cheese ball in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving with crackers.
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