Favorite Holiday Cheese Ball
A creamy, savory cheese ball perfect for holiday gatherings, featuring cheddar and cream cheese flavors, coated with chopped pecans, and served with crackers for easy snacking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the cream cheese, grated cheddar cheese, worcestershire sauce, and finely chopped onion.
- Shape the cheese mixture into a ball.
- Roll the cheese ball in chopped pecans to coat evenly.
- Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and chill until ready to serve.
- Serve with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute the cheddar with any cheese you prefer, such as gouda or pepper jack for a kick. To add more flavor, consider mixing in fresh herbs like chives or dill. If you want a crunchier texture, add some finely chopped bell peppers or jalapeños.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cheese ball with a variety of crackers, such as Ritz crackers or your favorite selection, for added crunch. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Mary'S Key Lime Pie for dessert, making it a perfect addition to your holiday spread. Consider offering fresh veggies like celery and bell pepper strips for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese ball wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to a month. To enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. Avoid reheating, as it is best served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Favorite Holiday Cheese Ball contains roughly 785 calories, with 24g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (49% of the Daily Value), calcium (42% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 963mg per serving (42% 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, you can prepare the cheese ball a day or two in advance. Just shape it, roll it in pecans, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making it even tastier when served.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you're not a fan of pecans, you can substitute them with walnuts, hazelnuts, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Each will provide a unique flavor and texture, so choose according to your preference.
Is this cheese ball suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this cheese ball is vegetarian-friendly, as it contains no meat products. Just ensure that the Worcestershire sauce you use is vegetarian, as some brands may contain anchovies. You can easily find vegetarian-friendly versions in stores.
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).