
Summer is definitely here, even if the calendar says it's a few weeks off. The tomato plants are blooming and outdoor entertaining season is upon us. Now that there are kiddos in the mix, that means we tend to get together earlier for get togethers and scatter not too long after dinner gets off the grill.
Earlier start times mean snacks are in order. This cheese ball is a perfect make ahead starter that everyone will love.
Grab some basil from the garden and some of those fresh tomatoes that will be here soon and make this puppy ahead of time. Then just garnish and grab some crackers or sliced baguettes and you are ready to go!

Not in the mood to make a cheese ball? Just put it in a bowl and sprinkle with the bacon breadcrumbs for an even lower fuss appetizer.
I haven't tried it yet, but I can totally see this spread in a small casserole and baked. Doesn't that just sound lovely? It would be a gooey, cheesy, bacony warm cheese dip. Now I can't wait to give that a go!

I brought this as a starter for our Memorial Day cookout at my parents'. The family put a pretty big dent in it. Little Dude was convinced he found the cheesy spot and put a decent crater in it himself.
I left what was leftover because I needed all of the fridge space (and calories!) for wedding dessert prep. My mom sent a text later that evening saying there was a celebration when it was discovered in the fridge! 😊

So if you would like to be the cause of the next celebration, I suggest you whip up this cheese ball. They are always a hit!
For more cheese ball inspiration, check out these cheesy recipes:
- Cheddar Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
- Havarti Cheese Ball
- Pepperoni Pizza Cheese Ball
- Pineapple Cheese Ball
Yield: 24 Servings

Bacon Bruschetta Cheese Ball
Bacon and bruschetta get all cozy together is a fun cheese ball that is a perfect summer appetizer.
Prep time: 1 H & 15 MCook time: 5 MTotal time: 1 H & 20 M
Ingredients:
- 2 slices bread, or about 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 pound crispy bacon, divided
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder, divided
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, drained and dried
- 3 Tablespoons basil
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 3 roma tomatoes
- a pinch each of red pepper flakes, salt and pepper
Instructions:
- If using slices of bread, process them in your food processor to make crumbs or tear them into very small bits. Chop the bacon and place half of it in a skillet. Toast the bread crumbs with the bacon and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder to get it all toasty and covered with bacon and garlic goodness.
- I like to let the food processor do the work for me when making cheese balls. So, I processed the roma tomatoes, the other half of the bacon and the basil until it was pretty finely chopped. Alternatively, you could do that with a knife.
- Mix the basil, sun dried tomato mixture with the red pepper flakes, salt, pepper and the other 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir (or process) in cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan and balsamic vinegar.
- Chop the roma tomatoes and fold into the cheese mixture.
- Spoon onto a piece of plastic wrap. I like to wrap the cheese mixture and use the plastic wrap to help me shape the ball. Refrigerate for at least an hour to firm up the cheese ball.
- Roll the ball in the bacon bread crumbs. Garnish with additional chopped tomatoes and basil if desired. Serve with toasted baguette slices or crackers.
Calories
154.10
154.10
Fat (grams)
11.71
11.71
Sat. Fat (grams)
5.94
5.94
Carbs (grams)
5.60
5.60
Fiber (grams)
0.42
0.42
Net carbs
5.18
5.18
Sugar (grams)
1.78
1.78
Protein (grams)
6.78
6.78
Sodium (milligrams)
328.58
328.58
Cholesterol (grams)
33.92
33.92
Copyright: Cooking With Carlee 2020

Oh Carlee, what a winner!! The perfect Summer Cheese ball I ever did see especially for a Bruschetta lover like me! Ha ha, I realized that rhymed, lol! I hope the weekend festivities were wonderful!!
ReplyDeleteHa! You're a poet and you didn't know it!
DeleteSo many of my favorite things! This is going to be a huge hit here!
ReplyDeleteIt was a hit here, that is for sure! Thank you!
DeleteThis sounds amazing. Can't wait to set this out at our first pool party of the year.
ReplyDeleteI hope it goes over big with your crew!
DeleteI love a good cheese ball! And I don't make them nearly enough. I think this one will make it into the summer rotation and last through football season too!
ReplyDeleteI don't make them as often as I should either! They are delicious and so much fun! It would be great for tailgating!
DeleteOh, my goodness this looks amazing, Carlee! I can't wait to try this.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cam!
DeleteIt is funny but when I think of cheeseballs, I think of Christmas and New Years. When I saw this post, I thought what a perfect time of year for a cheeseball. Sometimes I need just a push to push me out of the box. I am going to make this for a family get together that we have in a few weeks.
ReplyDeleteChristmas and New Years do seem to be the cheese ball holidays, but I think we should enjoy them year round! I hope you love it!
DeleteI'm ready to dig in!
ReplyDeleteGo for it!
DeletePerfect for a party!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely!
DeleteCheeseballs have a very significant gestalt in my life. This sounds amazing. xoxo
ReplyDeleteMine too! Thanks!
DeleteI love how flavorful this yummy bacon bruschetta cheeseball filled with bacon, sun dried and Roma tomatoes and of course cheese. We spend a lot of time either at the beach or by the pool in the summer. We always have a pot luck, this is now in my rotation.I am sharing this with my friends, they will love it.
ReplyDeleteYay! I hope you all love it as much as we did!
DeleteHi Carlee, I remember last year you posting cheese bal recipes and it was something I'd never heard of. This one I really must try, the combination of flavours is right up my street. Just need a reason now... Maybe "just because"?
ReplyDeletexx
Just because is my favorite reason!
DeleteThis looks delicious! I love making cheese balls for parties so I can't wait to try your recipe.
ReplyDeleteI hope you love it!
DeleteOh yum Carlee. I need to have some friends over so that I have an excuse to make this!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a great idea!
DeleteOh boy, I need to find a gathering to make this for! This sounds sooo good!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteThis looks like a savory treat that my family will love. Thanks for sharing at Snickerdoodle, Carlee! I'll be featuring this at tomorrow's party. Hope to see you there!
ReplyDeleteI hope they do love it! Thanks!
DeleteA great combo for this awesome appetizer! Hope you are having a great week and thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with us at Full Plate Thursday!
ReplyDeleteMiz Helen
Thank you!
DeleteCarlee, this is definitely the perfect summer appetizer.There's always room for bacon in any recipe I always say! Not sure what could be better. ;-D Thank you for sharing this at Whimsical Wednesdays Link Party!
ReplyDeleteMooooooore bacon please! I agree, there are very few things it doesn't belong with!
Delete