🧀🍞 Al’s Award-Winning Garlic Cheese Ball 🏆
History:
Al’s Award-Winning Garlic Cheese Ball is a delightful appetizer that has become a staple at parties and gatherings. While there isn’t an exact historical record of its origin, cheese balls like this one have been a popular snack in the United States since the mid-20th century. Al, the creator of this particular recipe, earned its “award-winning” status through countless compliments from friends and family.
Components:
- 8 ounces (about 2 cups) of cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced 🧄
- 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions 🧅
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley 🌿
- 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts 🥜
- 1/4 teaspoon of paprika 🌶️
- Salt and black pepper to taste 🧂🧂
Steps to Prepare:
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. This is where the magic begins! ✨
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Add the chopped green onions, fresh parsley, and chopped nuts to the cheese mixture. Mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed. This will add wonderful flavors and textures to your cheese ball. 🌱🥜
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Season the mixture with paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the garlic and black pepper; they give the cheese ball its signature kick! 🌶️🧂
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Once the mixture is well seasoned, place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to shape into a ball. While you’re waiting, you can clean up and prepare your serving platter. 🕒
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After the chilling time, take the mixture out of the fridge. With clean hands, shape it into a ball. 🧀🔵
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Roll the cheese ball in additional chopped nuts or parsley for a beautiful and tasty garnish. 🌿🥜
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Your Garlic Cheese Ball is now ready to be served! Place it on your prepared platter and surround it with crackers, bread slices, or vegetable sticks for dipping. 🍞🥖🥕
Time Needed:
- Preparation: Approximately 15-20 minutes
- Chilling: 30 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
This award-winning appetizer is sure to impress your guests with its rich and savory flavors. Enjoy! 🏆😋
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Al’s Award-Winning Garlic Cheese Ball:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Serving Size: 1 ounce (about 28 grams)
- Calories: 110
- Total Fat: 9 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Dietary Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugars: 0 grams
- Protein: 5 grams
Health Information:
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Moderation is key: While this cheese ball is delicious, it’s also relatively high in saturated fat and calories. Enjoy it in moderation as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your diet.
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Protein boost: Despite being an indulgent snack, this cheese ball does provide a modest amount of protein, thanks to the cream cheese and cheddar cheese. Protein is essential for various bodily functions.
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High in fat: Cheese and nuts are rich in healthy fats, but they are also calorie-dense. Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid excess calorie intake.
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Calcium source: Cheese is a good source of calcium, which is vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth. However, it’s important to balance calcium intake with other nutrients.
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Watch your sodium: The cheese and added salt contribute to the sodium content. High sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure, so it’s wise to consume salty foods in moderation.
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Nutritional variety: Consider serving this cheese ball with vegetable sticks or whole-grain crackers to add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to your snack.
Remember that individual serving sizes may vary, and it’s essential to be mindful of portion control when enjoying this tasty treat.
