The Cheese Ball is an iconic staple for any gathering, especially this upcoming holiday season!
Do you hear that? It sounds like… like… like sleigh bells. You know what that means…
The holiday season is just around the corner! And here at FFF, that means we’re just starting to bust out allllll the holiday recipes to share with you for your upcoming festivities! From gingerbread to fruitcake, we’ve got you covered like fresh winter snow. We’ll be sharing everything from appetizers to desserts as the holidays approach, but today, I’m showing you how to make an American classic: the infamous cheese ball.
My family has always loved a good cheese ball at Christmastime. I remember being really small and marveling at my grandmother’s centerpiece, rolled in pecans and decorated with bunches of grapes, various crackers and meats, and tiny bowls of nuts and things. The adults, dressed up in their holiday outfits, would dig into the cheese, sipping on wine and sharing stories. To me, the cheese ball was the picture of luxury. I couldn’t wait until I was grown up enough to experience these levels of social status.
Even now, as silly as that all sounds, I love incorporating the tradition of the cheese ball into my own parties. Honestly, bringing this fun and festive snack to life isn’t nearly as complex as you might think! With just a few ingredients and some rest time, you can bring this creamy, cheesy, savory holiday staple to your own table.
Is a Cheese Ball Healthy?
Assuming you’re not avoiding dairy, the cheese ball is a tasty snack for any party. Some versions even use white beans to enrich the recipe with protein, and you can always serve your cheese ball with whole grain crackers and breads, and fruits and veggies for added healthiness. Still, this cheese ball is loaded up with cream cheese and sharp cheddar, so proceed with caution if you’re dieting, and always enjoy in moderation!
How To Shape A Cheese Ball
What makes this dish so fun is the shape — who doesn’t want to play with their food? It is a party snack, after all! To achieve the iconic ball shape, you’ll want to soften your cream cheese at room temperature. While your cream cheese is softening, I also recommend grating your own sharp cheddar (or whatever other cheeses you want to use, as long as they’re flavorful choices!). Then, you’ll want to combine your cheese mixture and chill it for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up. Once your mixture is chilled, you can lightly grease your hands and form your cheese ball.
How to make ahead and store
When you’re ready to store your cheese ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container. Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days for post-party snacking.
Serving Suggestions
Think of the cheese ball as a centerpiece to a charcuterie board. You can serve it surrounded by goodies like Candied Bacon Crackers, dressings and dips like Honey Balsamic Dressing, fresh and dried fruits, and nuts.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
- 3 green onions chopped
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Dash of freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup pecans finely chopped
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients, except for the pecans, and mix to combine.
- Using a spatula, scrape the mixture together into a lump. Lightly grease your hands and shape the mixture into a round ball.
- Put the chopped pecans in a large shallow bowl. Carefully roll the cheese ball over the pecans to coat it. You can also use your hands to press the pecans onto it.
- Wrap the cheese ball in cling wrap and refrigerate for about 1-3 hours to firm up before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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