Aunt Donna'S Cheese Ball
A creamy, flavorful cheese ball combining blue cheese, sharp cheddar, and cream cheese, perfect for spreading or serving with crackers. Its rich, tangy profile and easy preparation make it an ideal appetizer for gatherings or casual get-togethers, appealing to cheese lovers and party hosts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the cream cheese, blue cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese in a small bowl.
- Let the cheeses stand at room temperature until soft.
- Blend in optional onions and Worcestershire sauce at low speed.
- Beat on medium speed until fluffy, scraping the side and bottom of the bowl frequently.
- Cover and chill the cheese mixture for 3 to 4 hours.
- Shape the cheese mixture into a ball.
- Roll the cheese ball in finely snipped parsley and pecans.
- Cover and chill for an additional 2 hours or until firm.
- Serve with small crisp crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. If you want to add a different flavor dimension, consider substituting the blue cheese with goat cheese. You can also use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter option. For added crunch, finely chopped nuts like pecans can be mixed in or used for rolling the cheese ball.
Serving Suggestions
This cheese ball pairs beautifully with small crisp crackers and an assortment of fresh vegetables like celery and bell pepper strips. For a more festive touch, serve it alongside a selection of wines or craft beers. It also makes a great appetizer for gatherings or as a complement to dishes like Excellent Broccoli Cornbread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the cheese ball wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to a month. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving again, as freezing may alter the texture slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Donna'S Cheese Ball contains roughly 889 calories, with 26g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (51% of the Daily Value), calcium (43% of the Daily Value), and iron (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1268mg per serving (55% 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 this cheese ball ahead of time?
Yes, this cheese ball can be made a day in advance. It actually benefits from chilling overnight as this allows the flavors to meld together. Just ensure it is well covered to prevent it from drying out in the refrigerator.
What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
If you need a substitute for Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce mixed with a little bit of vinegar, or try red cooking sherry for a similar depth of flavor. Both options will work well in this cheese ball recipe.
Can I add other ingredients to the cheese ball?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or various herbs. Just keep in mind that adding too many ingredients can alter the consistency, so balance is key.
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).