Description
Savory cheese ball appetizers bring creamy, tangy flavors perfect for holiday gatherings. Guests will enjoy this simple, crowd-pleasing snack that combines classic ingredients with gourmet appeal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (113 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (57 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
Flavor Enhancers:
- 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish and Mix-ins:
- 3 large jalapenos, seeds and stems removed, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced thin
- 1/3 cup (38 grams) pecans, finely chopped
Instructions
- Utilize a hand mixer to thoroughly blend softened cream cheese and sour cream until achieving a silky, airy consistency.
- Incorporate garlic powder, finely diced jalapenos, shredded cheddar, salt, and pepper into the mixture, stirring until ingredients are completely integrated.
- Create a cheese ball by positioning two intersecting plastic wrap strips on a flat surface, transferring the cream cheese mixture to the center. Gather wrap edges, twist securely to shape the ball, and refrigerate for minimum 60 minutes to solidify.
- Prepare the exterior coating by arranging chopped jalapenos, shredded cheddar, green onions, and crushed pecans into an even, uniform layer on a clean surface.
- Remove chilled cheese ball from refrigerator and gently roll across coating ingredients, ensuring complete and thorough coverage by pressing lightly to adhere toppings to any exposed areas.
- Place the fully coated cheese ball onto a decorative serving platter, accompanied by crisp celery sticks, fresh pepper slices, crunchy pork rinds, or alternative low-carb dipping options for guests to enjoy.
Notes
- Adjust Spice Levels by removing jalapeno seeds for a milder version or adding more for extra heat, ensuring everyone enjoys the appetizer.
- Swap Nuts with crispy bacon bits or everything bagel seasoning for alternative coatings that add crunch and flavor without changing the core recipe.
- Accommodate Dietary Needs by using lactose-free cream cheese and low-fat options to make the cheese ball friendly for different health preferences.
- Prep Ahead by making the cheese ball up to 2 days in advance, keeping it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator to enhance flavor development and save party preparation time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg