Microwave Soft Smokey Cheese Ball
A creamy, smoky cheese ball with crunchy pecans and fresh parsley, perfect for entertaining or snacking, offering a rich blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Unwrap the smokey cheese spread and cream cheeses.
- In a 1 1/2-quart casserole, place the smokey cheese.
- Microwave at High for 1 minute.
- Add the cream cheese to the casserole.
- Microwave at High for 1 to 1 1/4 minutes more until cheeses can be mixed together.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and blend the mixture well; stir in shredded cheddar cheese.
- Chill the cheese mixture about 15 to 30 minutes in the freezer or about 1 hour in the refrigerator until it can be formed into a ball with the hands.
- Roll the cheese ball in chopped parsley, then in chopped pecans.
- Chill to set.
- Serve with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother blend, ensure both cheeses are at room temperature before microwaving. If you're out of Worcestershire sauce, a dash of soy sauce can work in a pinch. For a different flavor, consider using a mix of smoked Gouda and cream cheese. You can also swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a varied texture.
Serving Suggestions
This cheese ball pairs beautifully with a variety of crackers, fresh vegetable sticks, or even slices of baguette. For a festive touch, serve it alongside My Friend Shirley'S Sweet Fruit Dip or some assorted olives. It can also be a delightful addition to a charcuterie board, enhancing the flavors of meats and fruits.
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 it for up to a month. To serve after freezing, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling in the herbs and nuts again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Soft Smokey Cheese Ball contains roughly 223 calories, with 11g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (47% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 parsley and pecans, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
What can I serve with the cheese ball?
You can serve this cheese ball with a variety of items such as crackers, sliced baguettes, or fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and celery. It also complements sweet options like grapes or apple slices, creating a delightful contrast.
How do I adjust the spiciness of the cheese ball?
If you'd like a milder flavor, use a less sharp cheddar or replace it with a creamier cheese like Monterey Jack. For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños into the cheese mixture.
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).