Rum Raisin Cheese Ball
A creamy, sweet cheese ball infused with rum-soaked raisins, coated in cinnamon sugar, perfect for parties and served with crackers or wafers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cinnamon and sugar and set aside.
- Parboil raisins, drain, and soak in white rum.
- Combine honey, cream cheese, pecans, and soaked raisins.
- Form the mixture into a ball and chill.
- Roll the chilled cheese ball in cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Serve with Ritz crackers or Bremin wafers.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using dark rum instead of white rum for a richer taste. If you prefer a nut-free option, you can substitute crushed graham crackers for the pecans to provide texture. Be sure to soak the raisins long enough to absorb the rum flavor, ideally for at least an hour. For a unique twist, try adding a dash of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This Rum Raisin Cheese Ball pairs beautifully with Ritz crackers or Bremin wafers for a delightful crunch. You can also serve it alongside fresh fruit, such as apple slices or grapes, to balance the sweetness. For a festive touch, consider displaying it on a cheese platter with assorted cheeses and cured meats, making it a great appetizer for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can freeze the cheese ball wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rum Raisin Cheese Ball contains roughly 289 calories, with 1g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 6g fat.
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?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball a day ahead of time. Just roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture just before serving to keep the coating fresh. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify overnight, making it even more delicious.
What can I use instead of white raisins?
If you can't find white raisins, you can substitute them with golden raisins or even dried cranberries for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that each type of dried fruit will bring its own unique sweetness and texture to the cheese ball.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can skip the rum and soak the raisins in apple juice or a mixture of water and vanilla extract instead. This will give the raisins a similar sweetness without the alcohol, making it suitable for all guests.
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).