An effortless, yet impressive cheesy appetizer filled with fall flavours like maple and arugula.
YIELDS
4
TO
6
Ingredients
16oz softened cream cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
3/4 cup grated aged cheddar cheese
3/4 cup grated Gouda cheese
1/2 cup green onions, finely chopped
1/2 cup crispy bacon bits
1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
2 handfuls arugula
A few drizzles of olive oil and red wine vinegar
Pinch of salt
Your favorite crackers
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder and black pepper. Use a wooden spoon to incorporate all ingredients together.
Stir in half of the cheddar, Gouda, green onions, bacon bits and pecans. (Set the other half aside on a plate.)
Mix all together and evenly distribute all ingredients.
Add the cheese mixture onto a clean cutting board and use your hands to shape it into a ball. To prevent it from sticking too much, apply some oil to your hands and form the ball.
Cover the cheese ball with plastic cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes allowing it to firm up.
In a medium bowl, stir together the remaining half of the cheddar, Gouda, green onion, bacon, pecans and all the sesame seeds until evenly mixed.
Roll the chilled cheese ball in the mixture until all sides are coated.
On a large dinner plate, scatter arugula on the base and drizzle olive oil, and red wine vinegar and season with salt.
Place cheese ball onto arugula salad and serve with your favourite crackers. Enjoy!