Shelly's Recipe

Parmesan-Cream Cheese Ball

Category: Cheeseballs

yields one 4 1/2-inch ball

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
10 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pinch of kosher salt
cayenne pepper to taste (optional)
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Using an electric mixer, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and parmesan cheese in a large bowl until well blended. Stir in the bacon and green onions. Add the black pepper, salt and cayenne pepper if using. Using a rubber spatula, gather the cheese mixture into a rough ball. Lay out a sheet of plastic wrap and scatter the parsley all over. Transfer the ball to the plastic wrap. Tightly wrap the cheese ball in the plastic wrap making sure the parsley adheres, twisting at one end to form a tight ball. Chill the ball for at least 3 hours. When ready to serve, remove the plastic and place the ball on a serving plate. serve with assorted crackers and vegetables.