Paula's Cheese Ball (By Paula Deen)

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 1/4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (1 ounce)
• 1/4 cup green onion (white parts only)
• 1 (2 ounce) jar pimientos, drained
• 1 cup chopped pecans (Paula uses Fisher pecans)
• 10 slices bacon, cooked and finely crumbled
• salt & fresh ground pepper (to taste)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon poppy seed

Directions

1. 1

   Place the cream cheese and milk in a bowl; beat until well combined.

2. 2

   Add in shredded cheese, onions, pimento and HALF of each, crumbled bacon and chopped pecans; mix to combine.

3. 3

   Season with salt and black pepper.

4. 4

   Transfer the mixture to a large piece of plastic wrap, then form into a ball; cover tightly and chill a minimum of 2 hours.

5. 5

   In a pie plate mix together the remaining chopped pecans and bacon, then mix in the parsley and poppy seeds.

6. 6

   Unwrap the cheese ball then gently roll into the nut mixture.

7. 7

   Wrap again in a clean piece of plastic wrap and chill up to 24 hours.