Bacon-Broccoli Cheese Ball - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 (8 ounce) package Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
1 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup finely chopped broccoli floret
6 bacon, strips cooked and crumbled
assorted cracker

Preparation

1. In a bowl, beat cream cheese, cheddar cheese and pepper until blended. Stir in broccoli. Shape into a ball and roll in bacon. Cover and refrigerate.
2. Remove from the refrigerator 15 minutes before serving. Serve with crackers.
My Note: I used 3/4 teaspoons fresh ground garlic pepper instead and also as others had suggested added the bacon to the cheese ball, then rolled it in parsley before serving.
I like to grate cheddar cheese because it mixes into the cream cheese better. I also just mix the bacon pieces into the ball, that way every one gets bacon with their cheese.
I made this as one on my appetizers for a large group. it was very good. Most cheese balls are rolled in nuts preventing allergy sufferers from having some. This was great because these people could actually enjoy this appetizer. I would recommend it to others.
I served this with 2 other appetizers so it didn't get all eaten but it was over half gone. I did steam the broccoli first just because I prefer the flavor of cooked to raw. I also added some Mrs. Dash garlic and herb seasoning and paprika just to add a little spice.