Margaret’s Cheese Ball Recipe
Overview:
Margaret’s Cheese Ball is a delightful appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a potluck, Thanksgiving gathering, or a casual weeknight snack. This recipe yields creamy, flavorful cheese balls that are sure to impress your guests.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours and 10 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Calories per Serving: 130
Ingredients:
- 1 package (8 ounces) light cream cheese
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup finely chopped dill pickle
- 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Combine the light cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, dill pickle, light mayonnaise, and Worcestershire sauce in a mixing bowl. Beat the ingredients together until smoothly blended. This can be done manually with a spatula or easily in a food processor for a smoother consistency. |
| 2 | Shape the mixture into two small balls. |
| 3 | Roll each cheese ball in the chopped walnuts until evenly coated. |
| 4 | Chill the cheese balls in the refrigerator for several hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for enhancing the taste and texture of the cheese balls. |
| 5 | Once chilled, remove the cheese balls from the refrigerator and serve alongside your favorite crackers, breadsticks, or vegetable crudites. Enjoy the creamy goodness! |
Note: If preferred, you can shape the mixture into one large cheese ball instead of two smaller ones. However, dividing it into two allows you to serve one while keeping the other fresh for later.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 130 per serving
- Total Fat: 11.7g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25.6mg
- Sodium: 202.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Sugar: 1.1g
- Protein: 5g
Keywords:
Potluck, Thanksgiving, Weeknight
Tips:
- For a twist, try adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the cheese mixture for an extra kick of flavor.
- Feel free to customize the nuts used for coating the cheese balls. Pecans or almonds can also provide a delicious crunch.
- Make sure to tightly wrap the cheese balls in plastic wrap before chilling to prevent them from absorbing any odors from the refrigerator.
- Serve the cheese balls with a variety of dipping sauces, such as honey mustard or sweet chili sauce, for added flavor options.
Margaret’s Cheese Ball is a timeless classic that’s always a hit at parties and gatherings. With its creamy texture, tangy flavor, and crunchy nut coating, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious appetizer with your loved ones! 🧀🥳
