Ah, the cheese ball—a classic party staple that somehow manages to be both retro and timeless. It’s like the cozy sweater of appetizers:
always in style, always comforting. I remember my grandma whipping one up for holiday gatherings, its creamy, tangy goodness rolled in crunchy nuts—just pure nostalgia.
Whether you’re hosting a fancy soirée or a casual get-together, this cheese ball recipe will be your go-to, trust me.
Steps
- Begin by placing the cream cheese in a bowl and mix until it becomes smooth. Add the cheddar cheese, chopped green onion, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, parsley, garlic powder, oregano, and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- With a spatula, scrape the mixture from the sides of the bowl and shape it into a lump. Lightly coat your hands with non-stick spray and form the mixture into a ball. This will help prevent sticking.
- Spread the chopped pecans on a flat surface like a plate. Hold the cheese ball in one hand and with the other, gently press the pecans onto the surface of the ball, turning it as needed to cover all sides evenly.
- Wrap the cheese ball tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to let it firm up. Remove it from the fridge about 20 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly.
- Present the cheese ball with a variety of dippers such as crackers, pretzels, or sliced vegetables. Remember to use a spreading knife for serving to prevent crackers from breaking.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, regular or low fat
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup pecans, chopped finely
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1240kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 120g | Saturated Fat: 60g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 40g | Cholesterol: 290mg | Sodium: 1290mg | Potassium: 500mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 3610IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 890mg | Iron: 2mg
FAQ
- Can I prepare the cheese ball in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball up to a week in advance. However, wait to add the nuts until closer to serving time to keep them crisp.
- How should I store the cheese ball?
- Store the cheese ball in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for several days or up to two weeks, depending on the freshness of your ingredients. For optimal freshness, check the expiration dates of your ingredients.
- Is it possible to freeze the cheese ball?
- Yes, you can freeze the cheese ball. Form it into a ball without adding the nuts, wrap it well in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before adding the nuts.
- What are some alternatives to pecans for coating the cheese ball?
- You can substitute pecans with finely chopped almonds, bacon bits, chopped green onions, or Craisins for a different texture and flavor.
- What should I serve with the cheese ball?
- The cheese ball pairs well with crackers, vegetables, mini bagels, pita bread, and pretzels. Be sure to include a spreading knife to avoid breaking crackers when serving.
Tips
- Prepare in Advance: You can make the cheese ball up to a week before your event. However, for the best texture, wait to add the nuts until shortly before serving to keep them crunchy.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Opt for a block of sharp cheddar and grate it yourself. This enhances the flavor and texture compared to using pre-shredded cheese.
- Chill Before Serving: After forming the cheese ball, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. This helps the flavors meld together and makes slicing easier.
- Serve with a Spreading Knife: Use a cheese knife when serving to avoid breaking crackers. It allows guests to spread the cheese ball onto crackers or other accompaniments smoothly.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Electric Mixer (for beating the cream cheese until smooth)
- Rubber Spatula (for scraping the sides of the bowl and forming the cheese ball)
- Non-stick Cooking Spray (to prevent the cheese mixture from sticking to hands)
- Plastic Wrap (for wrapping the cheese ball)
- Airtight Container or Freezer Safe Ziplock Bag (for storing or freezing the cheese ball)
- Cheese Spreading Knife (for serving the cheese ball)
