Description
This classic Cheese Ball recipe features a creamy blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and flavorful seasonings rolled in toasted pecans and fresh parsley. Perfectly chilled and served with crackers or veggies, it makes a delicious appetizer for any gathering or party.
Ingredients
Nut Coating
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted
- 3 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 2 (8 oz) blocks plain cream cheese
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp seasoned salt
- 1 1/2 tsp granulated garlic or garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 2 cups finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 medium green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
Serving
- Crackers, baguette, pita chips, or veggies
Instructions
- Toast Pecans: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the pecans on a baking sheet in a single layer. Toast in the oven for 6 to 8 minutes, or until fragrant. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Seasonings: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat together the cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, seasoned salt, granulated garlic, and onion powder until fully blended and smooth.
- Add Cheese and Vegetables: Lower the mixer speed. Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and diced red bell pepper. Beat on low speed just until everything is evenly combined.
- Prepare Nut and Herb Coating: Spread the cooled toasted pecans on a piece of plastic wrap, then toss them together with the chopped fresh parsley evenly.
- Form the Cheese Ball: Dollop the cream cheese mixture onto the pecan and parsley mixture. Using the plastic wrap, roll the mixture to coat it evenly and shape it into a ball. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
- Chill: Refrigerate the wrapped cheese ball for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
- Serve: Unwrap and serve the cheese ball with crackers, sliced baguette, pita chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- Cheese Alternatives: You can substitute the sharp cheddar with mild cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Variation: Replace the red bell pepper with jalapeno or poblano pepper to add some heat.
- Seasoning Swaps: Try using Cajun, Old Bay, or Italian seasoning instead of the seasoned salt for variety.
- Herb Variations: Fresh rosemary, chives, or thyme can be used in place of parsley to change the herbal notes.
- Nut Options: Toasted walnuts, almonds, or pine nuts are excellent alternatives to pecans for rolling the cheese ball.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
