You know that appetizer that disappears first at every party? This is it.
Sweet maple syrup meets smoky bacon in a creamy cheese ball that’s impossible to stop eating. It’s the kind of recipe that makes people ask for the details before they’ve even finished their first cracker.
You can make it a day ahead, which means less stress when guests arrive. Just pull it from the fridge, set out some crackers, and watch it vanish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The cream cheese base of this sweet-and-savory cheese ball is smooth and tangy, while the sharp cheddar adds depth.
Then comes the maple-bacon coating—crispy, sweet, and just salty enough to keep you reaching for more.
It’s also incredibly easy to customize. Add more maple if you like things sweeter, or throw in some chopped pecans for extra crunch.
The make-ahead factor is a game-changer for entertaining. Shape it in the morning, coat it with bacon, and you’re done. No last-minute scrambling while your guests wait.
Plus, it looks impressive on any spread without requiring fancy ingredients or techniques.
Ingredients
For the cheese ball:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of salt
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
For the coating:
- 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Instructions
Step 1: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
Step 2: Add the shredded cheddar, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, garlic powder, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This makes the mixture much easier to shape.
Step 4: While the cheese mixture chills, cook your bacon until crispy. Let it cool, then chop it into small pieces.
Step 5: In a small bowl, toss the chopped bacon with 2 tablespoons maple syrup and the fresh chives. Set aside.
Step 6: Once the cheese mixture is firm, place it on a sheet of plastic wrap. Shape it into a ball using the wrap to help you form it without getting your hands too messy.
Step 7: Spread the bacon mixture on a plate. Roll the cheese ball in it, pressing gently so the coating sticks evenly all over.
Step 8: Wrap the finished cheese ball in fresh plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving, or overnight if you’re making it ahead.
Step 9: When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or apple slices.
Print
Maple Bacon Cheese Ball Appetizer
A creamy, crowd-pleasing cheese ball rolled in crispy bacon and brushed with maple syrup. Sweet, salty, smoky, and totally addictive—it’s the appetizer that vanishes first at every party.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the cheese ball:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of salt
For the coating:
- 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the shredded cheddar, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, garlic powder, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This makes the mixture much easier to shape.
- While the cheese mixture chills, cook your bacon until crispy. Let it cool, then chop it into small pieces.
- In a small bowl, toss the chopped bacon with 2 tablespoons maple syrup and the fresh chives. Set aside.
- Once the cheese mixture is firm, place it on a sheet of plastic wrap. Shape it into a ball using the wrap to help you form it without getting your hands too messy.
- Spread the bacon mixture on a plate. Roll the cheese ball in it, pressing gently so the coating sticks evenly all over.
- Wrap the finished cheese ball in fresh plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving, or overnight if you’re making it ahead.
- When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or apple slices.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
