Loaded Baked Potato Cheese Ball Recipe

Gather the ingredients for this loaded baked potato cheese ball

To prepare this delicious loaded baked potato cheese ball, you'll need some essential ingredients and seasonings to maximize flavor. Begin by boiling small potatoes in salted water until they are tender. Once cooked, smash them, drizzle with olive oil and butter for optimal browning and crispiness, and then roast until they achieve a deep golden hue. These crunchy potatoes make the perfect vessels for scooping up the cheese ball. You can use any small potatoes you have on hand, or if necessary, chop larger potatoes and smash them in the same manner.

The foundation of the cheese ball consists of full-fat cream cheese, which provides a rich and creamy texture. Sour cream contributes a tangy creaminess that complements the sharp, salty flavor of cheddar cheese, while also smoothing out the cheese ball's texture for easy spreading. The mixture is seasoned with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, and fresh chives are added for a burst of onion flavor and a pop of color. Crispy bacon bits are incorporated for a delightful textural contrast and a savory kick. To finish, additional chives, cheddar, pepper, and bacon are used to coat the cheese ball, creating an attractive presentation and enhancing the flavor.

Step 1: Boil water

Heat a pot containing at least 3 inches of water and add 1 tablespoon of salt until it reaches a boil.

Step 2: Add potatoes

Incorporate the potatoes and simmer for 20 minutes or until they are tender enough to be pierced with a fork.

Step 3: Shred cheese

In the interim, grate the cheddar cheese finely.

Step 4: Prepare cheese ball

In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of chopped chives until the mixture is smooth.

Step 5: Add cheese and bacon

Incorporate half of the cheddar cheese and half of the bacon. Mix well to combine.

Step 6: Form a ball

Scoop the cheese mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap and securely wrap it to shape it into a ball.

Step 7: Refrigerate

Chill until you're ready to use.

Step 8: Mix toppings

Move the leftover cheese, bacon, pepper, and chives to a plate and stir to blend. Chill in the refrigerator until needed.

Step 9: Preheat oven

Set the oven temperature to 400°F.

Step 10: Line a baking sheet

Prepare a standard baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

Step 11: Drain the potatoes

Once prepared, drain the potatoes.

Step 12: Transfer to sheet pan

Cut any large potatoes in half, then place them on the prepared sheet pan.

Step 13: Smash potatoes

Utilize a small jar, mug, or measuring cup to crush the potatoes until they are flattened to a thickness of ½ inch.

Step 14: Season potatoes

Evenly coat the potatoes with melted butter and olive oil, then sprinkle with the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt.

Step 15: Bake

Cook the potatoes for 45 to 50 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 16: Coat cheese ball

Remove the cheese ball from its packaging and roll it in the cheese and bacon mixture to cover it completely.

Step 17: Transfer to serving platter

Move the cheese ball to a serving dish.

Step 18: Assemble platter and serve

Arrange the cheese ball on a platter surrounded by warm potatoes and crackers, and top with any leftover cheese and bacon mixture. Serve right away.

How far in advance can I prepare the cheese ball?

If you're looking to get a jump on your party preparations, this cheese ball makes an excellent make-ahead appetizer. You can assemble it up to two days prior, then simply take it out of the fridge just before serving. To store, wrap the cheese ball securely in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate until you're ready to enjoy. For the best presentation, wait to coat the cheese ball with the bacon, chive, and cheddar mixture until just before serving.

As for the potatoes, it's ideal to roast them on the day you plan to serve for maximum crispiness. However, if you're short on time, you can roast them in advance. After roasting, allow the potatoes to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or zip-top bag. When it's time to serve, spread them out on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated 375°F oven until they are crispy and warmed through. This will help bring back their crunchy texture.

What else can I serve with this cheese ball?

Alongside crispy roasted potatoes and buttery crackers, there are numerous other tasty dippers that complement this loaded baked potato cheese ball beautifully. To introduce some variety and appeal to different palates, think about presenting a vibrant assortment of fresh vegetables, such as carrot sticks, celery, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips. Toasted crostini or baguette slices provide a hearty and crunchy option, while tortilla chips or pita chips serve as a robust base for scooping.

For a delightful sweet and savory balance, add crisp apple slices to contrast the cheesy, bacony flavors with a refreshing, juicy crunch. Pretzels also make a great choice, offering a satisfying salty crunch. If you're feeling adventurous, consider serving waffle fries or thick-cut potato chips as a fun twist on traditional dippers. No matter what you decide to pair with it, this cheese ball is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. You can even spread any leftovers on a bagel for a delicious breakfast the following day.