Superbowl Bites: Bacon Apple Cheddar Cheese Ball

January 29, 2013

Bacon apple cheddar cheese ball is guaranteed to be a hit at your Superbowl party. This quick and easy appetizer is made from a combination of cream cheese, shredded cheddar, bacon bits, and apple brandy. If you want to add even more apple flavor, you can a 1/4 cup of finely minced fruit to your cheese ball, such as Granny Smith. Before serving, roll you cheese ball in sweet and spicy chopped pecans.

Bacon Apple Cheddar Cheese Ball

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons Applejack Brandy (I used 1 T. of Finger Lakes Distilling Maplejack)

1 teaspoon pure maple syrup

6 slices of bacon

8 ounces cream cheese, or lowfat (NOT nonfat) cream cheese, softened

10 ounces of Adams Reserve New York Extra Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 teaspoons dark brown sugar

1 cup Trader Joes Sweet and Spicy Pecans (substitute 1 c. pecans, 1 t. Cracker and apple slices to serve

Directions:

Put apple slices in small dish and sprinkle with brandy and maple syrup while you prep the rest of the recipe. Fry bacon in large skillet, turning frequently, until crisp, then set aside on a paper towel lined plate.

Finely chop apples.

Combine cream cheese, Adams Reserve New York Extra Sharp Cheddar, cayenne pepper, and apples in food processor. Pulse until mixture is thoroughly mixed and combined.

Combine pecans, brown sugar, and cooled, crumbled bacon in mini-food processor (or wash out regular processor and dry) until finely chopped.

Use spatula to remove cheese mixture to a cutting board. Lightly wet hands and roll the cheese into a ball. Roll in the bacon pecan mixture and pat to coat.

Arrange on serving platter with crackers and apple slices dipped in lemon juice/water. Enjoy!