Description
This simple cheese ball recipe features a creamy blend of sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and flavorful seasonings, coated with crunchy chopped pecans. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, it requires no cooking and comes together quickly for easy entertaining.
Ingredients
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese (avoid pre-shredded cheese)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Dash freshly ground black pepper
Coating
- 2/3 cup pecans, finely chopped
Instructions
- Mix cheeseball ingredients: Place the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl and mix until smooth. Add freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, dried parsley flakes, garlic powder, dried oregano, and a dash of freshly ground black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Form into ball: Use a rubber spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl and gather the mixture into one lump. Lightly grease your hands with a little oil or cooking spray and shape the cheese mixture into a round ball, ensuring it is compact and holds its shape.
- Coat with nuts: Spread the finely chopped pecans on a plate. Hold the cheese ball in one hand and use the other hand to scoop and press the pecans onto the outside of the ball, turning it gently to coat all sides evenly with the nuts for a crunchy exterior.
- Chill and serve: Wrap the cheese ball in cling wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour to allow it to firm up. Remove from the fridge approximately 20 minutes before serving to allow the cheese ball to soften slightly for easier spreading. Serve alongside crackers, pretzels, vegetables, or your favorite dippers.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheddar cheese rather than pre-shredded for better texture and flavor.
- Adjust hot pepper sauce amount to taste depending on desired spice level.
- The cheese ball can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored wrapped tightly in the refrigerator.
- For a different coating, try crushed nuts, bacon bits, or herbs.
- Allowing the cheese ball to soften slightly before serving enhances spreadability.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
