Everything Spice–Coated Cheddar Cheese Ball
from http://www.bonappetit.com/, October 2014

This cheeseball is based on the Everything Bagel which has crisp onion bits, poppy seeds and sesame seeds on the outside.

2 ounces pancetta, finely chopped
1⅓ cups finely grated extra sharp cheddar
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1 scallion, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Kosher salt

Coating:
5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
½ cup vegetable oil
2 shallots, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon poppy seed
1 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted

Crackers (for serving)

Cook pancetta in a medium skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until browned and crisp, 5–8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain; let cool.

Process cheddar, cream cheese, and butter in a food processor until smooth. Pulse in scallion, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and pancetta; season with salt. Scrape mixture into a small plastic wrap–lined bowl; gather plastic around cheese, using your hands to shape into a ball. Chill until firm, 3–12 hours.

Just before serving, cook garlic in oil in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring often, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

Add shallots to saucepan and cook, stirring often, until golden brown and crisp, 5–8 minutes. Drain on paper towels; let cool. Discard oil. Mix garlic and shallots in a medium bowl. Roll cheese ball in mixture to coat. Sprinkle with poppy seed and sesame seeds, pressing lightly to adhere. Serve with crackers.

8 servings