Cheese Ball With Strawberry Preserves
A creamy cheese ball with a sweet strawberry preserve filling, perfect for parties and cheese boards, combining savory cheddar flavors with a fruity surprise center.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grate the two types of Cheddar cheese together.
- Add the grated cheese, grated onion, and mayonnaise to a bowl and mix with your hands until well combined.
- Add pepper and chopped pecans to the mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Shape the mixture into a mold with a center hole.
- Refrigerate the molded cheese ball overnight.
- Remove the cheese ball from the mold and fill the center hole with strawberry preserves.
- Serve with Ritz crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using cream cheese instead of mayonnaise. You can also substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired. If you're short on time, use pre-grated cheese. To enhance flavor, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to the mixture. This cheese ball pairs beautifully with Vidalia Onion Chips for an extra crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cheese ball with a variety of crackers, such as Ritz or water crackers, and fresh vegetable sticks for a colorful platter. It also pairs well with fresh fruit for a sweet and savory contrast. For a complete appetizer spread, consider including dips or spreads like hummus or guacamole alongside this cheese ball.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you need to reheat, allow the cheese ball to come to room temperature before serving. Alternatively, you can briefly warm it in the microwave, but be careful not to melt it completely.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Ball With Strawberry Preserves contains roughly 1160 calories, with 25g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 102g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (152% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (68% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 901mg per serving (39% 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?
Yes, the cheese ball can be made a day in advance and refrigerated overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to fill the center with strawberry preserves just before serving to keep it fresh.
What can I serve with the cheese ball?
This cheese ball is great with a variety of accompaniments. Consider serving it with assorted crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables. It can also be paired with a fruit platter for a refreshing contrast.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or goat cheese for a tangy flavor. Just keep the overall volume similar to ensure the right consistency.
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).