Susan'S Mint Chocolate Cheese Ball
A rich, minty chocolate cheese ball coated with pecans and peppermint candies, perfect for festive gatherings or as a sweet appetizer for chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir 1 1/2 cups of the chopped peppermint candies into the softened cream cheese.
- Shape the mixture into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
- Before serving, let the cheese ball stand at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes until softened.
- Serve with Nabisco Famous Chocolate Wafers or your favorite crackers or cookies.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes. Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing. Crushing the starlight mints can enhance their minty flavor in the cheese ball. This recipe can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
This mint chocolate cheese ball pairs beautifully with Nabisco Famous Chocolate Wafers, but you can also serve it with graham crackers or fruit slices for a refreshing contrast. For an elegant touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cheese ball before serving. It makes a delightful addition to dessert platters alongside other sweet treats.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to prolong its freshness, you can freeze it for up to a month. To serve after freezing, let it thaw in the refrigerator before bringing it to room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Susan'S Mint Chocolate Cheese Ball contains roughly 1271 calories, with 18g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 114g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), protein (36% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. It also contributes 13g 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 this 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. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
What can I use instead of starlight mints?
If you can't find starlight mints, crushed peppermint candies or even peppermint extract can work as substitutes. Just adjust the amount of extract to your taste, as it can be more concentrated than the candies.
How can I make this recipe more festive?
For a festive touch, consider rolling the cheese ball in colorful sprinkles or crushed candy canes. You can also serve it with seasonal fruits like strawberries or apple slices, making it a perfect addition to holiday gatherings.
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).