Norwegian Cheese Ball
A creamy Norwegian cheese ball infused with pecans, onions, and parsley, perfect as an appetizer on crackers, offering rich flavors and a smooth texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the jar of Old English cheese in a pan of hot water for 10 minutes to soften.
- Cream together the Philadelphia cream cheese and softened Old English cheese.
- Add 3 tablespoons of finely ground pecans, minced onions, and most of the parsley to the cheese mixture.
- Form the mixture into a ball.
- Sprinkle the remaining pecans and parsley over the cheese ball.
- Put the cheese ball into the refrigerator and chill.
- Serve on Ritz crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Norwegian Cheese Ball, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of Worcestershire sauce. If you don't have Old English cheese, a mix of cheddar and cream cheese can work as a substitute. For a touch of heat, mix in some finely chopped jalapeños. Ensure the cheeses are at room temperature for easier mixing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Norwegian Cheese Ball with Ritz crackers for a classic pairing. It also goes well with fresh vegetable crudités or sliced baguette. For a festive touch, consider serving alongside a fruit platter featuring grapes and apple slices. This appetizer is perfect for gatherings or as a part of a cheese board that includes a variety of cheeses and spreads.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil; it can last for about a month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Avoid reheating as this dish is best served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Norwegian Cheese Ball contains roughly 846 calories, with 21g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (93% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value), and potassium (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 17g 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 the cheese ball ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese ball a day in advance. Just form it and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to add the pecans and parsley topping right before serving for the best presentation.
What can I use instead of pecans?
Another alternative is to skip nuts entirely and use finely chopped dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for added sweetness and texture.
How long should I let the cheese ball chill?
Chilling the cheese ball for at least 2 hours is recommended, but overnight is even better. This allows the flavors to develop and the ball to firm up, making it easier to slice and serve. Just make sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out.
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).