Marian'S Party Cheese Ball
A rich, savory cheese ball combining blue cheese, sharp cheddar, and cream cheese, coated with chopped nuts. Perfect for parties, served with crackers, and loved by cheese enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Allow cheeses to reach room temperature.
- Combine all cheeses in a large mixing bowl.
- Beat until well blended.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, onion powder, cayenne powder, garlic powder, and half the chopped nuts.
- Chill the mixture.
- Shape into a ball.
- Roll the cheese ball in the remaining chopped nuts.
- Chill thoroughly before serving.
- Serve with heavy crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure all cheeses are at room temperature before mixing. If you don't have blue cheese, try using feta or gorgonzola as alternatives. To add extra flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs like chives or parsley. For a twist, roll the cheese ball in crushed pretzels instead of nuts. This recipe can also be served on Mini-Blinis for an elegant touch.
Serving Suggestions
This cheese ball is best served with a variety of heavy crackers, breadsticks, or vegetable sticks for dipping. Pair it with a glass of red wine or a light beer for a delightful appetizer experience. For an impressive spread, include it alongside El Hallmark Cheese Dip and fresh fruits. Guests will love the combination of flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the cheese ball wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving, but avoid refreezing after it has been thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marian'S Party Cheese Ball contains roughly 137 calories, with 4g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 499mg per serving (22% 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. After rolling it in nuts, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to soften slightly for easier spreading.
What can I serve with the cheese ball?
This cheese ball pairs wonderfully with a variety of dippers like heavy crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetable sticks. For a more substantial snack, consider serving it with Elegant Krispie Bars, which offer a sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the cheese ball. Don't forget to include some sliced fruits for a colorful presentation.
Is there a vegetarian option for this cheese ball?
While the original recipe includes blue cheese, you can substitute it with a vegetarian-friendly cheese like a cream cheese-based spread or a dairy-free cheese alternative. Be sure to check labels to confirm that the ingredients meet vegetarian standards. This way, everyone can enjoy this delicious appetizer at your gathering.
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).