Versatile Cheese Ball Recipe
A crowd-pleasing snack that’s perfect for any gathering, this Versatile Cheese Ball combines rich flavors with easy preparation, making it a must-have for your next party or potluck. With a creamy base of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and blue cheese, this dish is elevated with a hint of Worcestershire sauce and prepared mustard for that extra zing. Finished off by rolling it in crunchy chopped nuts, this cheese ball is as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a family game night, preparing for a holiday party, or simply looking for a quick and tasty snack, this cheese ball fits the bill. You can serve it with crackers, fresh fruit, or even vegetable crudités for a satisfying and customizable appetizer that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese | 8 oz |
| Cheddar cheese, shredded | 1 cup |
| Blue cheese, crumbled | 1/2 cup |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tsp |
| Prepared mustard | 1 tsp |
| Chopped nuts (your choice, e.g., walnuts, pecans, or almonds) | 1/2 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 172.9 kcal |
| Total Fat | 15.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 30.7 mg |
| Sodium | 204 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 3.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.1 g |
| Sugars | 0.8 g |
| Protein | 5.8 g |
Preparation Time:
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | No cooking |
| Total Time | 10 minutes |
Instructions:
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Combine the cheeses and flavorings: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and blue cheese. Add the Worcestershire sauce and prepared mustard to the cheese mixture. Stir everything together until the cheeses are well-blended and smooth. If you’d like a little extra heat or flavor, you can add a pinch of garlic powder or freshly ground black pepper.
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Shape into a ball: Once the mixture is well combined, use your hands to form the mixture into a ball shape. The texture should be smooth and firm, holding its shape without falling apart.
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Roll in nuts: Pour the chopped nuts onto a clean plate or shallow bowl. Gently roll the cheese ball in the nuts until it is evenly coated. You can use your favorite nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds, or even a mix for extra flavor and texture.
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Serve and enjoy: Transfer the cheese ball to a serving platter and serve immediately with crackers, fresh fruit, or even crunchy vegetable sticks such as carrot sticks or celery. The cheese ball can also be wrapped in plastic wrap and refrigerated for a few hours before serving, allowing the flavors to meld.
Tips:
- Customize the nuts: If you’re not a fan of the nuts in the recipe, try rolling the cheese ball in finely chopped herbs (like parsley or chives) or even some bacon bits for a savory twist.
- Add a little spice: For a bit of heat, you can incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes into the cheese mixture.
- Make ahead: This cheese ball can be made up to 24 hours in advance, just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Whether you’re hosting a potluck, preparing snacks for a toddler-friendly lunch, or looking for a simple but impressive appetizer for your next holiday gathering, this versatile cheese ball is the perfect solution. Enjoy it with your favorite accompaniments, and watch as it disappears from the table in no time!
