Holiday Cheese Ball Recipe ๐ง๐
Overview:
This Holiday Cheese Ball recipe is a timeless classic, passed down through generations and perfected over time. Originally shared by a thoughtful co-worker more than 15 years ago, it has become a staple at gatherings and parties, beloved by all who taste its creamy, savory goodness. The best part? It yields a generous portion, perfect for sharing with friends and family during the festive season or any special occasion. With its rich blend of cheeses and zesty seasonings, this cheese ball is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Chilling Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 25
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 8 oz blue cheese (crock blue cheese recommended)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3 dashes of Tabasco sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions:
-
Bring Cheeses to Room Temperature:
Start by allowing the cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and blue cheese to come to room temperature. This ensures that they blend together smoothly and evenly. -
-
Prepare Seasoning Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, minced garlic, freshly ground black pepper, and 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans. Mix until well combined, ensuring that the flavors meld together beautifully. -
Mix Seasonings with Cheeses:
Once the cheeses have softened, add the prepared seasoning mixture to them. Use a spatula or mixer to thoroughly incorporate the seasonings into the cheeses, creating a creamy and flavorful mixture. -
Chill the Cheese Mixture:
Cover the bowl containing the cheese mixture and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to develop and the mixture to firm up, making it easier to shape into a ball. -
Shape the Cheese Ball:
After the chilling period, remove the cheese mixture from the refrigerator. Take a portion of the mixture and shape it into a ball using your hands. If desired, you can divide the mixture into smaller balls for easier serving or storage. -
Coat with Parsley and Pecans:
In a shallow dish, combine the finely chopped fresh parsley and pecans. Roll the cheese ball in this mixture until it is evenly coated on all sides, pressing gently to adhere the coating to the cheese. -
Serve or Store:
Your Holiday Cheese Ball is now ready to be served! Place it on a decorative platter alongside an assortment of crackers, breadsticks, or fresh vegetables for dipping. If you have leftovers or want to prepare ahead of time, you can store the cheese ball in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 131.9
- Fat: 11.9g
- Saturated Fat: 5.9g
- Cholesterol: 26.3mg
- Sodium: 224mg
- Carbohydrates: 1.6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 0.4g
- Protein: 5.3g
Tips and Serving Suggestions:
- For an extra kick of flavor, try experimenting with different types of cheeses, such as gouda or pepper jack, to customize the taste to your liking.
- To add a festive touch, shape the cheese ball into a holiday-themed design, such as a wreath or a snowman, using cookie cutters or molds.
- Serve the cheese ball alongside an array of accompaniments, such as cured meats, olives, and dried fruits, to create a stunning charcuterie board that will impress your guests.
- Don’t forget to take the cheese ball out of the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly, making it easier to spread onto crackers or bread.
This Holiday Cheese Ball recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to be the star of any party or gathering. With its creamy texture, bold flavors, and festive presentation, it’s the perfect appetizer for spreading joy and good cheer during the holiday season and beyond. Enjoy! ๐๐ง
