Prep Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 Tablespoons sour cream
• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar, divided
• 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 8 slices cooked bacon, minced, divided
• ¼ cup pecans, chopped, divided
• 4 green onions, chopped fine, divided
• ¼ cup chopped parsley, divided

Instructions

1.  Place softened cream cheese, sour cream, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Use a spatula to mix spices into the cream cheese and sour cream.

2.  Add half the cheddar, half the bacon, half the chopped pecans, half the chopped onions, and half of the parsley to the bowl. Mix into the cream cheese, making sure the ingredients are evenly distributed. Use the spatula to press the cheese mixture into a loose ball. Set aside.

3.  Place the remaining ingredients – bacon, cheddar, pecans, parsley, and green onions – on a large piece of plastic wrap spread on the kitchen counter. Use your fingers to toss the ingredients so they are well mixed.

4.  Place the cheese ball onto the plastic wrap. Roll the ball into the loose ingredient mixture, pressing the ingredients onto the surface with your hands while forming a more even ball. (There will be extra loose ingredients. Save for another use, such as a topping for a green salad.)

5.  Serve immediately or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.