BACON, CHEDDAR AND SWISS CHEESE BALL

Bacon, Cheddar and Swiss Cheese Ball image

When it's time for a party, everyone always requests this ultimate cheese ball-it's such an impressive appetizer. And if you're a party guest, it makes a fabulous gift for your hosts.-Sue Franklin, Lake St. Louis, Missouri

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 20m

Yield 2 cheese balls (4 cups).

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup crumbled cooked bacon (about 12 strips), divided
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted, divided
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 jar (2 ounces) diced pimientos, drained
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Assorted crackers

Steps:

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Stir in shredded cheeses, 1/2 cup bacon, 1/4 cup pecans, onion, pimientos, pickle relish, salt and pepper. Refrigerate, covered, at least 1 hour., In a small bowl, mix parsley, poppy seeds and remaining bacon and pecans. Spread half the parsley mixture on a large plate. Shape half the cheese mixture into a ball; roll in parsley mixture to coat evenly. Cover. Repeat. Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Serve with crackers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 116 calories, Fat 10g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 22mg cholesterol, Sodium 194mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 6g protein.