Garlic Herb Cheese Ball
A rich, flavorful cheese ball blending cream cheese, sharp Cheddar, blue cheese, and herbs, perfect for spreading or serving as an appetizer at gatherings or parties.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine all ingredients.
- Mix well until thoroughly blended.
- Form the mixture into a ball shape.
- Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap or waxed paper.
- Chill thoroughly in the refrigerator.
- Roll the chilled cheese ball in chopped pecans.
- Store in an airtight bag until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the best flavor, use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing. If you prefer a milder taste, substitute half of the blue cheese with feta cheese. For added texture, consider rolling the cheese ball in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill in addition to pecans. This dish is versatile, perfect for gatherings or as part of a charcuterie board.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the garlic herb cheese ball with an assortment of crackers, fresh vegetables, or sliced baguette for a delightful appetizer. Pair it with a glass of white wine or a light beer for a refreshing complement. This cheese ball also makes a great addition to a holiday platter alongside other cheeses, like those in a Praline-Crusted Cheesecake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To maintain freshness, wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the container. It can be enjoyed cold, but if desired, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garlic Herb Cheese Ball contains roughly 1078 calories, with 35g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 98g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (119% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (83% of the Daily Value), and protein (70% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1634mg per serving (71% 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 in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball up to 48 hours in advance. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap after forming it and chill it in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious when served.
What can I use instead of blue cheese?
If blue cheese isn't your preference, you can replace it with goat cheese or a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the creaminess and tang of blue cheese contribute significantly to the overall taste of the cheese ball.
How do I know when the cheese ball is ready to serve?
The cheese ball is ready to serve once it has chilled for at least two hours. It should be firm yet spreadable. If you let it sit out for about 30 minutes before serving, it will soften slightly, making it easier to spread on crackers or bread.
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).