Description
This Classic Cheese Ball is a nostalgic and easy-to-make appetizer that combines creamy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and fresh seasonings. Rolled in crunchy toasted pecans, it makes a perfect party snack served alongside crackers, chips, or fresh vegetable sticks. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe delivers a deliciously cheesy treat everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 1 pound (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup minced green bell pepper
- 4 scallions, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 small lemon)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Coating and Serving
- 1 cup chopped pecans, for rolling
- Crackers, for serving
- Fresh vegetables, such as celery sticks or radishes, for serving
- Chips, for serving
Instructions
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the softened cream cheese, grated sharp cheddar, minced green bell pepper, minced scallions, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Mash all the ingredients together thoroughly using a large fork until well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Prepare the Coating: On a clean surface or cutting board, spread the chopped pecans into an even layer to prepare for rolling the cheese balls.
- Form the Cheese Balls: Divide the cheese mixture roughly into two equal halves. Using a large spatula or clean hands, scoop one half and shape it into a ball. Place the ball onto the bed of chopped pecans and gently roll it around using your hands or plastic wrap to coat it evenly with pecans. Repeat this process with the second half of the cheese mixture, forming and coating the second cheese ball.
- Chill and Serve: You can serve the cheese balls immediately or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to one week. Serve each cheese ball with crackers, chips, or fresh vegetable sticks like celery and radishes for a delicious appetizer.
Notes
- This classic cheese ball is a quick and retro appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings.
- The combination of creamy, sharp, and crunchy textures makes it irresistible.
- You can customize by adding other herbs or spices to suit your taste.
- To keep fresh, wrap tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Pair with an assortment of crackers, chips, and fresh vegetables for a crowd-pleasing platter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/24th of total cheese balls)
- Calories: 139 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 129 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 28 mg
