Description
A delicious cheese ball recipe that combines cream cheese and shredded cheddar for a creamy filling, perfect for parties or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar (preferably freshly grated)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 0 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives (optional)
- 0 cup chopped toasted pecans (or walnuts)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for coating)
Instructions
- Place the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar in a mixing bowl and stir together with a spatula until smooth and creamy, with no lumps.
- Add hot sauce, garlic powder, and chopped chives to the cheese mixture, then fold everything together thoroughly, ensuring the flavors are evenly incorporated.
- Cover the bowl with cling wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up the mixture, making it easier to shape.
- Once chilled, scoop the mixture onto a clean surface and gently mold it into a compact round ball using your hands or a spatula. Keep your hands damp to prevent sticking and help shape smoothly.
- Spread the chopped toasted pecans and paprika on a small plate. Roll the cheese ball in the nuts, pressing gently to ensure an even coating around the entire surface.
- Place the coated cheese ball on a lined baking sheet and loosely cover with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least another hour or ideally overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up further.
- About 15-20 minutes before serving, remove the cheese ball from the fridge to bring it to room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
- Serve the cheese ball with crackers, sliced baguette, or veggie sticks for dipping and enjoy its creamy interior with a crunchy exterior.
Notes
- This cheese ball is very versatile; feel free to adjust the spices or add more ingredients to suit your taste.
- Chilling the cheese ball is essential for achieving the desired texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg