Ruth'S Cheese Ball
A rich, savory cheese ball made with sharp and mild Cheddar, cream cheese, and Blue cheese, perfect as an appetizer for parties and cheese lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Ensure all cheese is at room temperature.
- Grate the sharp Cheddar cheese and the mild Cheddar cheese.
- Add the grated Cheddar, softened cream cheese, Blue cheese, and horseradish to a mixing bowl.
- Mix well with your hands or a large mixer until thoroughly combined.
- Shape the mixture into a large ball.
- Place the cheese ball on wax paper or a clean surface.
- Spread finely chopped pecans over the cheese ball, rolling it until well coated.
- Use your thumb to make a dent in the top of the cheese ball.
- Place a red cherry in the dent as a decorative garnish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure all cheeses are at room temperature before mixing. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a teaspoon of horseradish or hot sauce. You can substitute the Blue cheese with feta or goat cheese for a milder flavor. If you are looking for a vegetarian option, make sure your cheeses do not contain animal rennet.
Serving Suggestions
Ruth's Cheese Ball is perfect for parties and gatherings. Serve it with an assortment of crackers, fresh vegetables, or toasted baguette slices for dipping. It pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine or a refreshing cocktail. If you're hosting a brunch, consider serving it alongside Maple Overnights for a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To maintain its shape, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the container. Reheat is not recommended, as this dish is best served cold. Simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ruth'S Cheese Ball contains roughly 631 calories, with 32g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (75% of the Daily Value), protein (64% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1542mg per serving (67% 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 up to two days in advance. Just shape it, coat it with pecans, and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Be sure to allow it to sit out for about 30 minutes before serving to soften slightly for easier spreading.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you prefer a different nut, walnuts or almonds are excellent substitutes for the pecans on the cheese ball. You can also skip the nuts entirely for a nut-free version or use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch without allergens.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this cheese ball can be made vegetarian if you ensure that the cheeses used do not contain animal rennet. Most commercial cheddar and cream cheeses are vegetarian-friendly, but it's always best to check the labels to confirm.
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).