Apple Cheese Ball
A creamy, savory cheese ball infused with apple and onion flavors, coated with fresh parsley. Perfect as an appetizer for parties or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except Cheddar cheese and parsley. Microwave for 2 to 4 minutes on 50% power to blend flavors.
- Add shredded Cheddar cheese and chill until firm.
- Once chilled, form the mixture into a ball shape.
- Roll the cheese ball in chopped parsley or dry parsley if desired.
- Serve with assorted crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, blend the cream cheese with a hand mixer before adding the other ingredients. If you're looking for a twist, consider substituting the apple with finely chopped dried fruit, like cranberries or raisins. To reduce calories, you could use reduced-fat cream cheese. Make sure to chop the onion finely to avoid overpowering the dish's flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This delightful Apple Cheese Ball pairs beautifully with assorted crackers, fresh vegetable sticks, or even apple slices. Consider serving it alongside a fruit platter or a selection of cheeses for a charming appetizer spread. For a fun twist, try it with the Giant Pretzel for a unique flavor combination that guests will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Reheat gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds if you prefer it warm, but it is often best served chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Cheese Ball contains roughly 258 calories, with 10g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (71% of the Daily Value), iron (37% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2051mg per serving (89% 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 use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese to lighten the dish without sacrificing too much flavor. It will still blend well with the other ingredients and maintain the cheese ball's creamy texture.
How long does it take for the cheese ball to chill?
Typically, the cheese ball should chill for at least 1-2 hours to firm up properly. If you have more time, letting it chill overnight will enhance the flavors even more.
Can I make this cheese ball in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese ball a day or two ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator wrapped tightly, and roll it in parsley right before serving for a fresh look.
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).