Creamy Blue Cheese Pecan Ball

Overview

This Blue Cheese Ball recipe is a classic spread that’s perfect for gatherings, holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving, or any brunch affair. It’s easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and preparation time, mostly involving chilling to achieve the perfect texture. The combination of creamy cheeses and crunchy pecans makes it a delightful appetizer that pairs wonderfully with crackers.

• Prep Time: 1 hour (includes chilling time)
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 28 servings
• Calories: 134.8 per serving
• Keywords: Cheese, Fruit, Nuts, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Brunch, < 60 Mins, For Large Groups, No Cook, Refrigerator, Easy, Inexpensive

Ingredients

• 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 1/4 cups finely chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Mix Cheese Base:
   In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled blue cheese, mayonnaise, and hot pepper sauce. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

2. Chill the Mixture:
   Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cheese mixture until it is firm enough to shape into balls. This usually takes about 1 hour, but you can chill longer if needed.

3. Shape into Balls:
   Once chilled, divide the cheese mixture into two portions. With clean hands, shape each portion into a ball.

4. Coat with Pecans:
   Place the finely chopped pecans on a plate or shallow dish. Roll each cheese ball in the pecans, coating the surface evenly.

5. Serve:
   Transfer the coated cheese balls onto a serving plate. Serve immediately with your favorite crackers or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tips for Serving:

• You can customize the flavors by adjusting the amount of blue cheese or adding different nuts for coating.
• For a festive touch during Christmas or Thanksgiving, garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs or dried cranberries.
• This recipe can be made ahead of time. Simply store the coated cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator until your gathering.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 134.8
• Total Fat: 13.3g
  • Saturated Fat: 6.4g
  • Cholesterol: 29.9mg
  • Sodium: 133.3mg
  • Carbohydrates: 1.5g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Sugars: 0.3g
  • Protein: 3.1g

Conclusion

This Blue Cheese Ball recipe is a surefire hit for any occasion, offering a creamy, tangy taste balanced with the crunch of pecans. It’s quick to prepare, versatile in serving options, and guaranteed to please a crowd. Enjoy this flavorful spread with confidence, knowing it’s both easy on the budget and on your time! Perfect for large groups or intimate gatherings, it’s a recipe that’s as reliable as it is delicious.