Aunt Sharon’s Cheese Ball

🧀🧀 Aunt Sharon’s Cheese Ball 🧀🧀

History:
Aunt Sharon’s Cheese Ball is a classic and timeless appetizer that has been a favorite at gatherings and parties for decades. While there isn’t a specific known origin for this recipe, cheese balls in general have been enjoyed in the United States since the mid-20th century. They became popular during the 1950s and 1960s and have remained a beloved party food ever since. Aunt Sharon’s version is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Components:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
• 8 oz cream cheese 🧀
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise 🥄
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions 🌱
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper 🌶️
• 1/4 cup finely chopped pimentos (optional) 🫑
• 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts 🥜
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 🧅
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 🍯
• Salt and pepper to taste 🧂🧂

Steps to Prepare:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese. Allow them to come to room temperature to make mixing easier.

2. Add the mayonnaise, chopped green onions, green bell pepper, and pimentos (if using) to the bowl. Mix everything together until well combined. This is where the emoji magic starts to happen – 😄.

3. Season your mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper to taste. The spices will give your cheese ball a delicious flavor kick! 🔥👌

4. Shape the mixture into a ball. You can use plastic wrap or parchment paper to help form it into a ball shape easily.

5. Roll the cheese ball in finely chopped pecans or walnuts to create a lovely, crunchy coating.

6. Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or until it’s firm. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheese ball to set.

7. Just before serving, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator, unwrap it, and place it on a serving platter.

8. Serve your Aunt Sharon’s Cheese Ball with your favorite crackers, sliced baguette, or vegetable sticks. 🍪🥖🥒

Time Needed:
Preparation time for Aunt Sharon’s Cheese Ball should take about 15-20 minutes. However, the cheese ball needs to be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to firm up and allow the flavors to meld. So, in total, you should plan for about 2 hours and 20 minutes to have this delicious treat ready for your party or gathering. 🕒🧀

Enjoy Aunt Sharon’s Cheese Ball with your favorite emojis and have a blast at your next gathering! 🎉😋

Sure, here’s the nutrition facts and some health information for Aunt Sharon’s Cheese Ball. Keep in mind that this recipe is a delicious indulgence and should be enjoyed in moderation.

Nutrition Facts for Aunt Sharon’s Cheese Ball (per serving, approximately 2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 120
• Total Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 120mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 4g

Health Information:

1. Calories: Aunt Sharon’s Cheese Ball is calorie-dense due to the combination of cheese, cream cheese, and mayonnaise. While it’s a tasty treat, be mindful of portion sizes to avoid excessive calorie intake.

2. Total Fat: This recipe is rich in fat, primarily from the cheese and cream cheese. While fat is an essential part of the diet, consuming too much saturated fat, as found in this dish, can increase the risk of heart disease. Moderation is key.

3. Cholesterol: With 25mg of cholesterol per serving, this cheese ball contains a moderate amount of cholesterol. High cholesterol intake can contribute to heart health issues, so be cautious, especially if you have dietary restrictions.

4. Sodium: The sodium content in this recipe is relatively moderate. If you’re watching your salt intake, you might want to consider lower-sodium ingredients or consume this appetizer in moderation.

5. Protein: Aunt Sharon’s Cheese Ball provides a small amount of protein, which can be a positive aspect for those looking to add more protein to their diet. However, it’s not a significant source of protein.

6. Carbohydrates: This recipe is low in carbohydrates, but the small amount of carbs it contains comes from ingredients like green bell pepper and mayonnaise.

In summary, while Aunt Sharon’s Cheese Ball is a delightful and indulgent appetizer, it’s important to consume it in moderation, especially if you’re concerned about calorie, fat, or cholesterol intake. Consider balancing it with healthier options when planning your meal or party menu. Enjoy, but be mindful of your overall dietary choices! 🧀🥗🥤