Almond-Cheddar Ball
Creamy, cheesy almond-coated cheese balls with a tangy pickle flavor, perfect as an elegant appetizer for parties or special gatherings, complemented by crunchy crackers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the shredded Cheddar cheese and cream cheese together until smoothly blended.
- Add the chopped sweet pickle, dry sherry, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and cayenne pepper; mix well.
- Cover and chill until the mixture is firm enough to handle.
- Spread the chopped almonds in a shallow baking pan and toast in a 350°F oven for 8 minutes or until evenly browned.
- Divide the cheese mixture in half and shape each into a ball about 4 inches in diameter.
- Wrap the cheese balls airtight and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- Before serving, roll each cheese ball in the toasted almonds to coat evenly and let stand at room temperature for about half an hour.
- Serve with assorted crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash more mayonnaise or a bit of sour cream. If you want a bit of spice, try adding some chopped jalapeños or using pepper jack cheese instead of Cheddar. You can substitute the sweet pickle with dill pickles for a tangy twist. Also, toasting the almonds enhances their flavor significantly, so don't skip that step!
Serving Suggestions
This Almond-Cheddar Ball pairs beautifully with assorted crackers, sliced vegetables, or even apple slices for a sweet contrast. For an elegant touch, serve with a selection of wines or festive drinks. You can also accompany it with fruits like grapes or dried apricots, which balance the richness of the cheese.
Storage & Reheating
Store the wrapped cheese balls in the refrigerator, where they can last up to two weeks. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. To serve after freezing, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling in almonds and bringing to room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Almond-Cheddar Ball contains roughly 1473 calories, with 52g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 95g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (144% of the Daily Value), protein (103% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (89% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2637mg per serving (115% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the cheese ball in advance?
Absolutely! The cheese balls can be made up to two weeks in advance. Just be sure to wrap them tightly and store them in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it a great make-ahead appetizer for parties or gatherings.
What can I use instead of almonds?
If you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute the almonds with finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Each will provide a distinct taste and texture while still complementing the cheese nicely.
How do I serve the cheese ball?
Serve the cheese balls at room temperature for the best flavor. Arrange them on a platter with a variety of crackers, fresh vegetables, or even fruits like grapes. For a festive touch, you can garnish the platter with fresh herbs or edible flowers.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).