Grace Hart'S Party Cheese Ball
A creamy, cheesy party cheese ball with hints of onion and green pepper, perfect for gatherings. Rolled in chopped pecans, it offers a delightful crunch and flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine softened cream cheese and shredded Cheddar cheese in a mixing bowl.
- Add chopped onion, chopped green banana pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Shape the chilled mixture into a ball.
- Roll the cheese ball in finely chopped pecans to coat evenly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, make sure your cream cheese is well softened before mixing. If you are short on time, you can use pre-shredded cheese, but freshly shredded Cheddar will enhance the flavor. Feel free to substitute with a different cheese like Pepper Jack for a spicy kick. You can also adjust the amount of onion and banana pepper based on your taste preference.
Serving Suggestions
This cheese ball is perfect as an appetizer for parties or gatherings. Serve it with an assortment of crackers, fresh vegetable sticks, or even sliced apples for a refreshing contrast. It also pairs beautifully with Easy Fruit Crunch, making it a delightful addition to your spread. Consider garnishing with additional chopped pecans for a decorative touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It's best served chilled, so if it has been out for a while, return it to the fridge before serving. Refrain from freezing, as it may alter the texture of the cheese after thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grace Hart'S Party Cheese Ball contains roughly 555 calories, with 29g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (67% of the Daily Value), protein (57% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 858mg per serving (37% 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 in advance. Just shape it and roll it in pecans, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier when served.
What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
If you don't have Worcestershire sauce on hand, you can substitute it with soy sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a dash of vinegar. This will provide a similar umami flavor to the cheese ball without compromising its taste.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this cheese ball is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat products. However, always double-check the Worcestershire sauce brand, as some may contain anchovies. You can use a vegetarian Worcestershire sauce to ensure it fits vegetarian recipes.
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).