Blakies Cheese Balls
Creamy, tangy cheese balls with crunchy pecan coating, perfect for parties or appetizers, combining bleu cheese, cheddar spread, and aromatic herbs for a flavorful bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all cheeses, onion flakes, garlic salt, and dried parsley flakes together in a bowl.
- Form the cheese mixture into two balls.
- Roll each cheese ball in chopped pecans until fully coated.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. If you don't have bleu cheese, feta or goat cheese can be great substitutes. Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick, or use chopped herbs like chives instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cheese balls with crunchy veggies for a delightful appetizer or spread them on crackers for a party platter. They pair beautifully with Macaroon Fudgies for a sweet ending. For a complete spread, consider adding a selection of cured meats and olives to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the uncoated cheese balls for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge and roll in pecans before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Blakies Cheese Balls contains roughly 693 calories, with 16g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (32% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 461mg per serving (20% 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 these cheese balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just form the balls and roll them in pecans right before serving to ensure they stay fresh and flavorful.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you're looking for an alternative to pecans, walnuts or almonds work well as a coating. You could also use crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for a different texture.
How can I make these cheese balls spicier?
To add some heat, mix in a bit of hot sauce or finely chopped jalapeños into the cheese mixture. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes on the outside before serving for an extra kick.
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).