Best Cheese Ball Recipe with Nuts
This Cheese Ball is a quick and easy recipe that’s always a hit at gatherings or cozy nights in. With a creamy cheese base, sharp cheddar, a hint of spice, and a crunchy nut coating, it’s as delicious as it is simple. You can prep it in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute entertaining. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress!
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup pecans roughly chopped
- ⅓ cup walnuts roughly chopped
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 cups sharp Cheddar cheese freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 green onions chopped
- 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper ground
Instructions
- Place the chopped pecans and walnuts on a plate and set them aside.⅓ cup pecans, ⅓ cup walnuts
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the grated cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, chopped green onions, hot sauce, garlic powder, dried parsley, oregano, and black pepper. Stir until everything is fully combined.16 ounces cream cheese, 2 cups sharp Cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 green onions, 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Using a spatula, scrape the mixture into the center of the bowl. Lightly grease your hands and shape the mixture into a ball.
- Hold the cheese ball in one hand and use your other hand to press the chopped nuts onto the surface. Rotate the ball to ensure the nuts evenly coat all sides.
- Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour to firm it up. Remove it from the fridge 15–20 minutes before serving to let it soften slightly. Serve with crackers, vegetables, or your favorite dippers.
Notes
- Use Room-Temperature Cream Cheese: This makes mixing easier and ensures a smooth, creamy base.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Freshly grated cheddar melts into the mixture better than pre-shredded, which can be coated in anti-caking agents.
- Adjust the Heat: Prefer a bit of spice? Add more hot sauce! Keeping it mild? You can leave it out altogether.
- Nut-Free Option: If nuts aren’t your thing, swap them for crushed pretzels or crispy bacon bits for a delicious alternative.
- Chill Time is Crucial: The flavors meld together beautifully while the cheese ball firms up in the fridge.
- Prep Ahead: This cheese ball can be made a day in advance, making it a stress-free choice for entertaining.
- Flavor Swaps: Experiment with different herbs or cheeses—try smoked cheddar or fresh dill for a twist.
- Serve it Small: For parties, divide the mixture into mini cheese balls for individual servings.
Nutrition
Calories: 251kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 8gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 258mgPotassium: 103mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 721IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 179mgIron: 0.3mg
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