Edna'S Cheese Ball
A rich, savory cheese ball with a crunchy pecan coating, perfect for parties or snacking, combining sharp, pimento, and creamy cheeses for a delightful flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the American cheese, sharp cheese, pimento cheese, and cream cheese together. Add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Form the cheese mixture into a ball and roll it in the chopped pecans.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute the American cheese with cheddar for a sharper flavor or use a vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free option. If you want a bit more heat, consider adding diced jalapeños. This cheese ball is perfect for parties and pairs wonderfully with crackers or vegetable sticks.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheese ball with an assortment of crackers, fresh vegetables, or pretzels for dipping. It also makes a great appetizer alongside Sweet Muffins or as part of a cheese platter. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh herbs or serve with a side of your favorite chutney to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To maintain freshness, wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the container. If you want to serve it again, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Edna'S Cheese Ball contains roughly 643 calories, with 23g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (160% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 814mg per serving (35% 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 this cheese ball a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and makes it easier to serve when guests arrive.
What can I substitute for pecans?
If you're not a fan of pecans, you can use walnuts or almonds as a great alternative. Both nuts will provide a nice crunch and complement the cheese flavors well. You could also try seeds for a nut-free option.
How can I serve this cheese ball for a crowd?
To serve this cheese ball at a gathering, consider making a larger batch and presenting it on a platter surrounded by assorted dippers like crackers, baguette slices, and sliced vegetables. This encourages mingling and makes it easy for guests to enjoy.
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).