Cheese Ball Or Log
A creamy, flavorful cheese ball or log featuring sharp Cheddar and smooth cream cheese, accented with green pepper and onion. Rolled in chopped pecans, it's perfect for parties, spreading on crackers or bread, offering a savory, nutty taste that appeals to cheese lovers and entertaining guests alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Have the cream cheese at room temperature.
- Combine cream cheese, shredded Cheddar, chopped green pepper, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Mix until well blended.
- Form the mixture into a ball or log shape.
- Place in the refrigerator and chill until firm.
- Remove from refrigerator and roll in chopped pecans.
- Wrap in waxed paper or foil and store in refrigerator until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute the Cheddar cheese with your favorite cheese like Monterey Jack or Gouda for a different flavor. If you're short on time, pre-shredded cheese works well, but fresh cheese will yield better taste. Adding herbs like dill or chives can elevate the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cheese ball or log with an assortment of crackers, fresh vegetables, or sliced baguette for a delightful appetizer. It pairs beautifully with Spicy Creamy Grits for a hearty side dish. For a festive touch, garnish with additional chopped herbs or serve alongside Cherry Cobbler Pie for a sweet finish to your gathering.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cheese ball or log tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator. It should maintain its freshness for up to a week. For best flavor, avoid freezing as it can change the texture. When ready to serve again, simply remove from the fridge and allow to soften slightly before slicing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Ball Or Log contains roughly 150 calories, with 7g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of calcium (16% of the Daily Value), protein (14% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1094mg per serving (48% 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, you can prepare the cheese ball or log a day in advance. Just make sure to wrap it well and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste when served.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you're looking for alternatives to pecans, walnuts or almonds work great as substitutes. You can also omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version. Just be sure to adjust the chilling time since nuts add some firmness to the cheese mixture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this cheese ball recipe is suitable for vegetarians, as it contains no meat products. However, always check the Worcestershire sauce label, as some brands may contain anchovies. Look for vegetarian-friendly versions if needed.
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).