Description
This festive Easter Cheese Ball is a creamy, tangy, and savory appetizer shaped like a carrot, perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with cream cheese, ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, bacon, and Worcestershire sauce, it combines flavors and textures beautifully. The cheese ball is coated with shredded cheddar and garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley to mimic carrot greens, making it both delicious and visually appealing.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 2 Tablespoons ranch seasoning mix (or one packet)
- 2 cups finely shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bunch cilantro or parsley (for carrot top)
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese and ranch seasoning: In a large bowl, add the softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning mix. Use a hand mixer on low speed to blend the ingredients together until smooth and well combined.
- Add cheddar, bacon, and Worcestershire sauce: Stir in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese, the cooked and crumbled bacon, and Worcestershire sauce into the cream cheese mixture until evenly incorporated.
- Shape the cheese ball: Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap on a baking sheet. Place the cheese mixture on top and use the plastic wrap to help form it into the shape of a carrot, tapering one end and rounding the other for a realistic effect.
- Transfer the cheese ball: Carefully flip the carrot-shaped cheese ball from the plastic wrap onto a large serving platter or cutting board, ensuring it retains its shape.
- Coat with cheddar cheese: Cover the exterior of the cheese ball with the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese, gently pressing it onto the surface so it sticks well and gives a textured look like a carrot’s skin.
- Add greens: Insert cilantro or parsley stems into the narrow end of the cheese ball to resemble carrot tops, enhancing the visual presentation.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cheese ball for 30 minutes to allow it to firm up and the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Present the cheese ball with an assortment of crackers, fresh vegetables, olives, or your preferred dippers for a tasty and charming appetizer.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- For a spicier variation, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
- Can be made a day ahead; keep tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and refrigerated.
- Substitute ranch seasoning with your favorite herb blend for a different flavor.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon substitute.
