Melrose'S Cheese Ball
A creamy, savory cheese ball coated with toasted pecans or almonds, perfect as an appetizer for parties or gatherings. Its rich flavor from cream cheese and sharp cheddar, accented with seasoned salt, Worcestershire, chives, and garlic, makes it a crowd-pleaser suited for cheese lovers and entertaining occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Shape into a ball, then roll in toasted pecans or almonds.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. You can substitute the Cheddar cheese with any sharp cheese you prefer, such as pepper jack for a spicy twist. If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce is a decent alternative. Adding a splash of hot sauce can also elevate the flavor. For an extra crunchy texture, consider rolling the cheese ball in crushed pretzels or nuts.
Serving Suggestions
This cheese ball is perfect for parties, served with a variety of crackers, fresh vegetables, or pretzels. It pairs beautifully with 'Bonnie'S' Sweet Potato Gook for a delightful contrast of flavors. Consider serving it alongside a refreshing dip, like a homemade ranch or spinach dip, for a complete appetizer spread. It also works well with a glass of white wine or a light beer.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to make it ahead of time, you can shape the cheese ball and store it uncoated in plastic wrap. When ready to serve, roll it in nuts just before serving to maintain the crunch. Avoid freezing as it may alter the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Melrose'S Cheese Ball contains roughly 331 calories, with 16g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (45% of the Daily Value), calcium (35% of the Daily Value), and protein (32% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 667mg per serving (29% 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 in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese ball a day or two ahead of time. Just keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. Rolling it in nuts right before serving will keep it fresh and crunchy.
What can I serve with the cheese ball?
This cheese ball pairs well with an array of snacks. Serve it with assorted crackers, fresh veggie sticks like carrots and celery, or even pretzel bites. For a fun twist, you might also include some fruit, such as apple slices or grapes, for a sweet contrast.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this cheese ball is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products. However, always check the labels on your Worcestershire sauce, as some brands may contain anchovies. You can easily find vegetarian Worcestershire sauce or use soy sauce as an alternative.
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).