Description
This classic Cheese Ball recipe is a creamy, flavorful appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. It combines smooth cream cheese, tangy sour cream, sharp cheddar, and savory spices, all coated with crunchy pecans for a delicious texture contrast. Chill it to let the flavors meld, then serve with your favorite crackers for a crowd-pleasing snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups (200g) cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 cup (100g) pecans, finely chopped
Instructions
- Mix Cream Cheese and Seasonings: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Blend thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Cheddar Cheese: Fold in the freshly shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until it is evenly incorporated throughout the cream cheese mixture.
- Chill Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up, making it easier to shape.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: After chilling, use greased hands if necessary to gather the mixture into a compact ball shape.
- Coat with Pecans: Roll the formed cheese ball in the finely chopped pecans, pressing gently so the nuts adhere evenly to the surface.
- Serve: Let the cheese ball come to room temperature before serving. Pair it with an assortment of crackers for a perfect appetizer.
Notes
- To soften cream cheese quickly, leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting.
- For added flavor, try mixing in chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley.
- Can be prepared a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Use other nuts such as walnuts or almonds if preferred for the coating.
- Make sure to serve at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
