Dear Cheesehead, This recipe sounds great! We are having a few neighbors over Sat. evening for coffee and....... I would like to make this cheese spread. Can I serve this on a tray as a Cheese Ball with crackers for guests to spread on the crackers or is it better for me to spread on crackers ahead of time and serve on a tray? Can I use imitation Bacon bits as we do not eat bacon? I am so much better at having large dinner parties but know I will be too tired after Thanksgiving Day! Thank you in advance for your help. Patty Schoen-Jones