Raspberry Cheese Ball
A delightful raspberry cheese ball combining savory cheese, crunchy pecans, and sweet raspberry preserves, perfect for festive gatherings or appetizer platters to impress guests with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 pkg. finely grated sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 c. mayonnaise
- 1/2 c. chopped green onions ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped toasted pecans
- raspberry chipotle sauce or raspberry preserves ⓘ
- 5 c. honeycomb-shaped cereal or cereal squares ⓘ
- 2 c. thin pretzel sticks, broken in half ⓘ
- 1/2 c. butter
- 1/2 c. peanut butter
- 1 (11.5 oz.) pkg. real milk chocolate chips ⓘ
- 1 c. powdered sugar ⓘ
- 1 c. red and green candy-coated milk chocolate candies ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely grated sharp Cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, chopped green onions, and chopped toasted pecans.
- Add raspberry chipotle sauce or raspberry preserves to the cheese mixture and stir until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a ball and place on a serving platter.
- In resealable food bags, combine honeycomb-shaped cereal or cereal squares and broken pretzel sticks.
- Crush the cereal and pretzels slightly in the bags, then spread the mixture onto a plate to coat the cheese ball evenly.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter and peanut butter over low heat until smooth.
- Dip the cheese ball into the melted butter mixture, then roll it in the crushed cereal and pretzels to coat evenly.
- Melt the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the coated cheese ball or dip parts of it for a decorative effect.
- Sprinkle powdered sugar over the top and garnish with red and green candy-coated milk chocolate candies.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using cream cheese instead of mayonnaise. If you're looking for a spicier kick, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture. You can also substitute the pecans with walnuts for a different flavor. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cereal and pretzels.
Serving Suggestions
This Raspberry Cheese Ball is perfect for parties or gatherings. Serve it alongside crackers, fresh vegetables, or sliced fruits for dipping. It pairs beautifully with Krispy Crunchy Cookies for a sweet contrast. For a more substantial offering, consider serving it with a side of Asparagus And Egg Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften it slightly. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Raspberry Cheese Ball contains roughly 1349 calories, with 33g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 107g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (66% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and potassium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 865mg per serving (38% 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 the cheese ball ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to meld, making it even tastier when served.
What can I substitute for the chocolate chips?
If you're looking for a different flavor, you can substitute the milk chocolate chips with white chocolate or dark chocolate chips. Alternatively, for a healthier option, try using chopped dried fruit or a drizzle of honey instead to enhance the sweetness.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Raspberry Cheese Ball is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat products. However, always check the labels of your ingredients, such as the chocolate chips and mayonnaise, to ensure they meet your dietary requirements.
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).