Description
Creamy cheese ball blends sharp cheddar and tangy cream cheese with zesty herbs and crunchy pecans. Chilled and rolled in fresh parsley, this crowd-pleasing appetizer brings bold flavor and delightful texture to party spreads.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Cheeses:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups (170 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) garlic powder
Coating:
- ¾ cup (75 grams) finely chopped pecans
Instructions
- In a spacious mixing vessel, whip the cream cheese until silky and uniform, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Gently fold in sharp cheddar, introducing Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder, stirring until ingredients harmonize into a cohesive mixture.
- Position a generous sheet of plastic wrap on a clean countertop, transferring the cheese blend directly onto the surface.
- Using the plastic wrap as a guide, carefully mold the mixture into a perfect spherical shape, creating smooth edges and compact form.
- Securely encase the cheese sphere, pressing out any air pockets, and nestle in the refrigerator for a minimum of 60 minutes to allow flavors to meld and texture to stabilize.
- Prepare a shallow dish with finely chopped pecans, creating an even layer for coating.
- Extract the chilled cheese ball, unwrap completely, and gently roll across the pecan surface, ensuring total coverage with a delicate, nutty exterior.
- Artfully arrange on a decorative serving platter, accompanied by an assortment of crisp crackers, fresh vegetable crudités, or elegantly toasted bread points for an inviting presentation.
Notes
- Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing and easier blending with other ingredients.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for better melting and more vibrant flavor compared to pre-packaged shredded cheese.
- Enhance flavor complexity by experimenting with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, mild gouda, or crumbled blue cheese.
- Prepare cheese ball up to 3 days in advance and store refrigerated, allowing flavors to meld and develop deeper taste profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg