Description
This classic Cheese Ball recipe combines creamy cream cheese and tangy sour cream with flavorful cheddar and subtle spices. Chilled to perfection and coated with crunchy pecans, it makes a perfect appetizer to serve with crackers at any gathering. Easy to prepare and deliciously rich, this cheese ball is a crowd-pleaser for parties and holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Base
- 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
Coating
- 1 cup (100g) pecans, finely chopped
Instructions
- Mix Base Ingredients: 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 completely smooth and evenly combined.
- Add Cheddar Cheese: Fold in the freshly shredded cheddar cheese, mixing well so that the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.
- 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.
- Shape Cheese Ball: After chilling, use greased hands if necessary to gather the cheese mixture into a compact ball shape, ensuring it holds together firmly.
- Coat with Pecans: Roll the formed cheese ball in the finely chopped pecans, pressing gently to make sure the nuts adhere and the ball is evenly coated on all sides.
- Serve: Allow the cheese ball to come to room temperature before serving. Present with an assortment of crackers for a perfect appetizer experience.
Notes
- For best flavor, let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- You can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds based on preference.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best texture and taste rather than pre-shredded cheese.
- Store the cheese ball tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days.
- Greasing hands with a little oil or water helps prevent sticking when shaping the ball.
