Lo-Fat Cheese Ball
A cheesy, flavorful cheese ball made with light cream cheese and shredded cheddar, coated with chopped pecans and garnished with parsley for a delightful appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients except pecans and parsley until smooth.
- Chill the mixture for 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Form the mixture into a ball.
- Roll the cheese ball in the chopped pecans until coated.
- Garnish with sprigs of fresh parsley and serve with lo-cal crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before blending. If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a good substitute, but adjust the saltiness in the recipe accordingly. You can also experiment with different types of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for the coating. This cheese ball is great served with lo-cal crackers or fresh vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
This Lo-Fat Cheese Ball pairs beautifully with lo-cal crackers, fresh vegetable sticks, or whole-grain bread. Serve it on a platter surrounded by a variety of dippers for a colorful presentation. It’s a great addition to a party spread or as an appetizer for holiday gatherings. Consider serving it alongside other American recipes for a well-rounded snack table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to prepare it ahead of time, you can make the cheese ball and roll it in nuts, then cover and refrigerate until serving. Avoid freezing, as it can alter the texture of the cream cheese.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lo-Fat Cheese Ball contains roughly 355 calories, with 14g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (35% of the Daily Value), protein (29% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 640mg per serving (28% 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 form it into a ball, roll it in the chopped pecans, and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it even tastier when served.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you’re not a fan of pecans or have a nut allergy, you can use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch. Alternatively, crushed pretzels or even finely chopped herbs can provide an interesting twist.
How do I make this cheese ball spicier?
To add more heat, you can increase the amount of hot sauce to your liking. Alternatively, consider incorporating finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper into the mixture for an extra 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).