Make this easy, classic cheese ball for your next party or holiday gathering. It is a simple, make-ahead appetizer coated in fresh herbs and crunchy nuts.
Author:Chloe Thompson
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:0 min
Total Time:15 min
Yield:12 servings
Category:Appetizer
Method:Chilling
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until completely smooth and well combined.
Cover the cheese mixture and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up slightly.
In a small, shallow dish, combine the chopped nuts and fresh parsley. Mix them together.
Remove the chilled cheese mixture from the refrigerator. Shape the mixture into a ball using your hands or a rubber spatula.
Roll the cheese ball completely in the nut and herb mixture until it is evenly coated on all sides.
Wrap the finished cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 2 days, before serving.
Serve cold with crackers, pretzels, or vegetable sticks.
Notes
For a different flavor, substitute 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar with shredded Monterey Jack or Swiss cheese.
If you prefer a spicier version, add 1 teaspoon of prepared horseradish to the cheese mixture.
You can prepare the cheese ball mixture up to three days ahead of time and store it, shaped but not yet coated, in the refrigerator. Coat it just before serving.