Spicy Cheese Ball
A creamy, spicy cheese ball infused with hot peppers and garlic, coated with pecans and pimentos, perfect as an appetizer for gatherings or parties.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dice the yellow cheese and let it soften at room temperature for 2 hours. Dice the hot peppers and garlic.
- Put the cottage cheese into a blender and blend until smooth; thin with lemon juice if necessary.
- Mix the softened cheese, blended cottage cheese, hot peppers, garlic, lemon juice, and other ingredients until smooth.
- Add chopped pecans and evaporated skim milk as needed to reach the desired consistency.
- Form the mixture into a ball and decorate with chopped pecans and pimentos.
- Chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider using jalapeños or serrano peppers instead of the hot peppers listed. If you're looking for a creamier texture, you might substitute regular cottage cheese for the fat-free version. Make sure to let the cheese soften properly for easier mixing. Mixing in fresh herbs can also enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spicy cheese ball with an assortment of crackers, vegetable sticks, or even sliced baguette for a delightful appetizer. It pairs well with drinks like beer or a crisp white wine. For a more complete spread, consider including a fruit platter or browsing more vegetarian recipes to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, allow the cheese ball to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving again. Avoid microwaving, as it can alter the texture; instead, enjoy it cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Cheese Ball contains roughly 310 calories, with 8g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (44% of the Daily Value) and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium.
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?
Absolutely! This cheese ball can be made a day or two in advance. Just prepare it, chill it, and keep it wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
What can I substitute for pecans?
If you're not a fan of pecans or have allergies, you can easily substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Each will provide a different texture and flavor, so choose according to your preference.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To modify the spice level, you can reduce the number of hot peppers or use milder varieties, such as banana peppers or bell peppers. Additionally, removing the seeds from the hot peppers will also lessen the heat while still keeping the flavor.
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).