Festive Bacon Cheddar Carrot Cheese Ball (Keto & Crowd-Pleaser)
Surprise your guests with this adorable and delicious Bacon Cheddar Carrot Cheese Ball! It’s a fun, savory, and incredibly easy appetizer, perfect for holidays or any gathering. Rich, creamy, and packed with bacon and cheese, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s also low-carb.
Yields: 1 large cheese ball (approx. 10-12 servings) Prep time: 20 minutes Chill time: At least 1 hour (recommended for firming)
Ingredients:
- 2 tubs (15 oz each, total 30 oz) whipped cream cheese with chives and onion (ensure low-carb/sugar-free if buying pre-flavored)
- 1 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon Everything Bagel Seasoning (ensure no added sugar)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for the outer coating)
- 1 small bunch fresh parsley (for garnish, resembling carrot greens)
Equipment:
- Medium mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula or sturdy spoon
- Plastic wrap or parchment paper
- Serving platter
Instructions:
- Cook and Prepare Bacon: Cook the 6 slices of bacon in a skillet or oven until perfectly crispy. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, finely crumble or chop the bacon.
- Combine Cheese Ball Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the two tubs of chive and onion whipped cream cheese, shredded Colby Jack cheese, Everything Bagel Seasoning, and the crumbled bacon. Mix well with a rubber spatula or sturdy spoon until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Lay a large piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper on a clean surface. Scoop the cheese mixture onto the center. Using your hands and the plastic wrap/parchment, shape the mixture into a cone, resembling a carrot. Press firmly to create a dense, cohesive shape.
- Chill (Optional but Recommended): For easier handling, wrap the shaped cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to firm up.
- Coat with Cheddar: Once the cheese ball is firm, unwrap it. Place the 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese on a plate or shallow dish. Carefully roll the shaped cheese ball in the shredded cheddar, pressing gently to ensure it’s completely and evenly coated.
- Add Parsley “Greens”: Just before serving, gently insert the stems of the fresh parsley bunch into the wide end of the “carrot” cheese ball, creating the look of carrot greens.
- Serve and Enjoy! Place the finished cheese ball on a serving platter.
Serving Suggestions:
- Low-Carb/Keto Options: Serve with celery sticks, bell pepper strips, cucumber slices, radishes, pork rinds, or your favorite low-carb crackers.
- General Crowd: Also pairs well with traditional crackers or pretzel crisps for guests not counting carbs.
Storage: Store the cheese ball (without parsley) tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Add parsley just before serving.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification
- High Protein: Yes, this recipe is very high in protein. Cream cheese, Colby Jack, and cheddar cheese, along with bacon, contribute a significant amount of protein, making this a satisfying and filling appetizer.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is low-carb. All ingredients (cream cheese, cheeses, bacon, seasonings) are naturally low in carbohydrates.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly.
- Whipped Cream Cheese with Chives and Onion: Most plain whipped cream cheese is keto. If using pre-flavored, check the label for hidden sugars or starches, as some can contain them. If unsure, use plain whipped cream cheese and add your own chives and onion powder.
- Colby Jack & Cheddar Cheese, Bacon: All are excellent keto ingredients.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: Generally keto-friendly, but quick check for added sugars is good practice.
- Serving: Crucially, serve with keto-friendly dippers like vegetables or pork rinds.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.