Lelia Ann'S Cheese Ball
A creamy, savory cheese ball made with sharp and medium cheeses, perfect for serving at parties or gatherings as an appetizer or snack. Rich and flavorful with a smoky hint.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. cheese (1 lb. sharp, 1 lb. medium), grated ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese ⓘ
- 1 roll Kraft garlic cheese
- 2 sticks margarine ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise ⓘ
- pinch of garlic or onion salt ⓘ
- 6 or 8 shakes Hickory smoke flavoring or 1/2 lb. smoke cheese ⓘ
- 2 or 3 drops Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- finely chopped nuts to roll balls in ⓘ
Instructions
- Grate the cheese into a mixing bowl.
- Add the cream cheese, garlic cheese, smoke cheese (if using), and margarine to the bowl.
- Mix well, cover, and leave out overnight to meld flavors.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of smoked and sharp cheeses. If you don't have margarine, unsalted butter can be a great substitute. Additionally, feel free to adjust the amount of garlic or onion salt to suit your taste. For a twist, you can roll the cheese balls in finely chopped herbs or even crushed crackers instead of nuts.
Serving Suggestions
This cheese ball is perfect for parties and pairs beautifully with crackers, fresh vegetables, or sliced baguette. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or with dishes like Snow Peas With Cashews for a delightful contrast. For a complete spread, add some fruits like grapes or apple slices for a touch of sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving, or warm it gently in the microwave for a few seconds to bring out the flavors without melting it completely.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lelia Ann'S Cheese Ball contains roughly 2198 calories, with 14g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 228g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value), protein (27% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.
What can I use instead of hickory smoke flavoring?
If you don't have hickory smoke flavoring, you can substitute it with liquid smoke or smoked paprika for a similar smoky taste. Alternatively, using more smoked cheese can also enhance the flavor.
How do I make this cheese ball more spicy?
For extra heat, increase the number of drops of Tabasco sauce, or add finely chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the mix. Adjust according to your spice preference for a kick!
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).