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Cheese Ball

A cheese ball is a creamy, flavorful mixture of cheeses, herbs, and seasonings shaped into a ball and coated with crunchy nuts or herbs. It involves mixing, chilling, and rolling to create a festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer with a smooth interior and textured exterior. Perfect for parties, its adaptable flavors and inviting appearance make it a classic favorite.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Cling Wrap
  • Small baking sheet
  • Chopping knife

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar preferably freshly grated
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce adjust to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons chopped chives optional
  • 0.5 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.