New Year'S Cheese Ball
A creamy, savory cheese ball perfect for festive occasions or parties. Rich with cream cheese, mild Cheddar, and a blend of chopped pimentos, green pepper, and onion, it's coated in crunchy chopped pecans. This versatile appetizer suits gatherings, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Allow the cream cheese to soften.
- Mix all ingredients except the pecans until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into a ball or log shape.
- Roll the cheese ball in chopped pecans to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your cheese ball, consider adding a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick. You can substitute the mild Cheddar with sharp Cheddar for a bolder taste. If pecans are not available, walnuts or almonds work well too. Make sure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature for easy mixing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cheese ball with an assortment of crackers, fresh vegetable sticks, or sliced baguette for a delightful appetizer. Pairing it with a glass of wine or a festive cocktail enhances the experience. It pairs beautifully with Meat Loaf Festiva for a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can freeze the cheese ball wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New Year'S Cheese Ball contains roughly 247 calories, with 9g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (140% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1885mg per serving (82% 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 roll it in pecans and cover it tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
If you need a substitute for Worcestershire sauce, you can mix soy sauce with a dash of vinegar and a bit of sugar to mimic the flavor. Alternatively, balsamic vinegar can also work in a pinch.
Is this cheese ball suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this cheese ball is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products. It makes a great addition to vegetarian recipes and can be enjoyed by everyone 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).