Description
A flavorful and creamy Cheese Ball recipe perfect for parties and gatherings. This classic appetizer combines cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and spices, rolled in crunchy pecans for an irresistible bite. Easy to prepare and chill ahead of time, this cheese ball pairs wonderfully with crackers or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups (200g) cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
Coating
- 1 cup (100g) pecans, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Blend these ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate Cheddar Cheese: Add the freshly shredded cheddar cheese to the cream cheese mixture and fold until the cheddar is evenly distributed throughout.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Chill for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up for shaping.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Remove the mixture from the refrigerator. Using greased hands if needed, form the chilled mixture into a compact ball shape.
- Coat with Pecans: Roll the formed cheese ball in the finely chopped pecans, pressing gently to ensure an even coating all around.
- Serve: Let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.
Notes
- For easier shaping, grease your hands lightly or use plastic wrap to form the ball.
- You can substitute pecans with other nuts such as walnuts or almonds for variety.
- Make the cheese ball a day ahead to enhance flavor development.
- Serve at room temperature for the best texture and taste.
- Store any leftovers tightly wrapped in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
