Cheese Ball With Raspberry Preserves
A savory cheese ball combining American and Cheddar cheeses with crunchy pecans and green onions, coated with raspberry preserves, perfect for parties and cheese platters.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grate the American and Cheddar cheeses.
- Mix the grated cheeses with pecan chips, chopped green onions, and enough mayonnaise to hold the mixture together.
- Refrigerate the mixture until firm.
- Unmold the cheese mixture onto a tray.
- Cover the top with raspberry preserves.
- Serve with Ritz crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the mix. If you don't have pecan chips, walnuts or almonds can work as a great substitute. Ensure the mayonnaise is mixed thoroughly to bind the cheeses well. Chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill can elevate the flavor profile. This cheese ball pairs beautifully with other appetizers, such as Glorified Sauerkraut.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cheese ball with an assortment of crackers, including Ritz crackers for a buttery flavor. Fresh vegetables like celery or bell pepper slices also make a great crunchy pairing. For a festive touch, arrange the cheese ball on a platter with seasonal fruits or nuts. It can be a delightful addition to a cheese board that includes other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you've already added the raspberry preserves, it's best consumed within a few days for optimal freshness. To serve again, remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Ball With Raspberry Preserves contains roughly 296 calories, with 18g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (44% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 675mg per serving (29% 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?
Absolutely! This cheese ball can be made a day in advance. Just prepare it, refrigerate until firm, and cover it with raspberry preserves right before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully overnight, enhancing its taste.
What can I substitute for raspberry preserves?
If raspberry preserves aren't available, you can use other fruit preserves like strawberry, apricot, or even a tangy cranberry spread. Each will bring a unique flavor that complements the cheeses well.
Is this cheese ball suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this cheese ball is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat ingredients. However, always check the mayonnaise brand you use, as some may contain non-vegetarian additives. Overall, it makes a great addition to any vegetarian recipes spread.
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).