Award Winning Cheese Ball
A creamy, flavorful cheese ball with hints of onion and raspberry preserves, coated in crunchy walnuts—perfect for entertaining or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except walnuts well.
- Form the mixture into a ball shape.
- Roll the cheese ball in walnuts to coat evenly.
- Serve with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different flavor. If you're looking for a sweeter touch, consider adding a hint of honey or using different fruit preserves, like apricot. For a spicier kick, mix in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheese ball with an assortment of crackers, fresh vegetables, or sliced apples for a delightful appetizer. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like Green Beans With Marjoram for a well-rounded meal. For a sweet ending, consider offering Amaretti Cookies as a dessert option after indulging in this savory treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To maintain its shape and texture, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the container. There's no need to reheat this dish; simply serve it cold or at room temperature straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Award Winning Cheese Ball contains roughly 321 calories, with 5g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese ball up to two days in advance. Just keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
What can I use instead of red raspberry preserves?
If you don't have red raspberry preserves, feel free to use any fruit preserves you prefer, such as apricot or peach. Each will bring a unique flavor to the cheese ball, making it versatile for your taste.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this cheese ball gluten-free, ensure that the crackers you serve with it are certified gluten-free. Many brands offer excellent gluten-free options, so you can still enjoy this delightful appetizer without any gluten concerns.
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).