Holiday-Crown Cheese Ball
A festive cheese ball featuring sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and crunchy fried onions, perfect for holiday gatherings and cheese platters, offering creamy, savory, and crispy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine softened cream cheese, shredded Cheddar cheese, and milk in a bowl.
- Blend well until smooth.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of fried onions.
- Stir in the remaining fried onions and chopped stuffed green olives.
- Shape the mixture into a ball.
- Roll the cheese ball in the reserved fried onions.
- Garnish with stuffed green olive slices or as desired.
- Serve with crackers or tiny party rye.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve a smooth consistency, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. If you want to add a bit of spice, consider incorporating some finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can substitute the sharp Cheddar with a milder cheese if preferred. For a twist, try adding herbs like dill or chives for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Holiday-Crown Cheese Ball pairs beautifully with crackers or tiny party rye. Add fresh vegetable sticks or fruit slices for a colorful presentation. It’s a perfect appetizer for gatherings, and you can serve it alongside dishes like Oatmeal Cookies(Lunchroom Kind) for a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. It’s best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat. If the cheese ball becomes too firm after chilling, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday-Crown Cheese Ball contains roughly 313 calories, with 6g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 600mg per serving (26% 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?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese ball a day in advance. Just shape it and roll it in the fried onions, then cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely, making it even tastier when served.
What can I substitute for green olives?
If you’re not a fan of green olives, you can easily substitute them with chopped pecans or walnuts for a different texture. Alternatively, black olives can work well too, adding a milder flavor that complements the cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat products. However, always check the labels of the cream cheese and fried onions to ensure they meet your dietary preferences, as some brands may include non-vegetarian ingredients.
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).