Jalapeno Bacon Cheese Ball

I originally got this recipe here. But, it never hurts to make it your own!

This cheese ball has become known as Tyler's Manly Cheese Ball. He took it to our office holiday party and it was the first thing gone. His office even requested that he make it again the next day! It is super easy to double for the larger crowd too! Enjoy!

Ingredients:
6 slices bacon
1/4 cup chopped pecans
8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
2 pinches cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
dash of salt

approx 2 jalapenos (ribs and seeds removed), finely chopped and divided (***We used approx 5-6 jalapeno slices from a jar to equal one pepper)
crackers (for serving)


Directions:

Cook the bacon in a large skillet set over medium heat until crispy. (Must be crispy!) Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Allow to cool slightly, then crumble and divide in half.

While the bacon is cooking, preheat oven to 350 F. Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 4 minutes, or until fragrant.

In a medium bowl, stir together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, parsley, garlic, cumin, cayenne, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, half of the minced jalapenos  and half of the crumbled bacon until well combined. Season the mixture to taste with salt.

On a large plate, stir the toasted pecans, remaining minced jalapenos and remaining half of the crumbled bacon together until evenly distributed. Shape the cream cheese mixture into a ball (the mixture will be sticky, just barely wet your hands first). Roll the ball in the pecan mixture until coated on all sides.

Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.