Good And Easy Cheese Ball
A creamy, flavorful cheese ball coated with chopped pecans and parsley, perfect for parties and gatherings, offering a delightful appetizer option with a savory kick.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soften cream cheese; add dressing and mix until well combined.
- Divide the mixture into 2 balls or form into 1 large ball.
- Roll the cheese balls in chopped pecans and parsley flakes to coat evenly.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve with any kind of crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for a couple of hours before mixing. You can substitute the dry Italian dressing with homemade herbs and spices for a personal touch. Experiment with different nuts for rolling, such as walnuts or almonds, to add unique flavors. To enhance the flavor, add minced garlic or chopped green onions to the cheese mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This cheese ball pairs beautifully with an assortment of crackers, breadsticks, or fresh vegetable sticks. Serve it alongside a charcuterie board for a festive touch, or with a selection of dips. It also makes a great appetizer for gatherings, complementing other snacks like School Rice Krispie Squares or Holiday Butter Almond Cookies for a varied spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese ball in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to a week. If you want to prepare it ahead of time, you can freeze the cheese ball for up to a month. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Good And Easy Cheese Ball contains roughly 621 calories, with 5g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value) and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1132mg per serving (49% 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 the cheese ball a day or two in advance. Just wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the taste. If you're short on time, you can also freeze it and thaw it the night before your event.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you don't have pecans, you can easily substitute them with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Each will bring a different texture and flavor to the cheese ball, so feel free to experiment with your favorites.
How do I make this cheese ball spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the cheese mixture. You could also roll the cheese ball in crushed red pepper flakes or add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Adjust to your desired spice level!
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).