Wilshire Salad Cheese Ball
A creamy cheese ball combining blue cheese, cheddar spread, and fresh herbs, coated with chopped walnuts and parsley, perfect as a sophisticated appetizer for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cream cheese, blue cheese, and cheddar spread in a mixing bowl and mix thoroughly with a mixer.
- Add grated onion and mix well.
- Refrigerate the mixture until chilled.
- Shape the mixture into a ball.
- Roll the cheese ball in chopped walnuts and chopped parsley to coat.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier consistency, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. If blue cheese is too strong for your palate, consider substituting it with a milder cheese like goat cheese. Chopped pecans can also replace walnuts for a different flavor profile. Make sure to finely chop the parsley for an even coating.
Serving Suggestions
This cheese ball makes a delightful appetizer for gatherings. Serve it with an assortment of crackers, veggie sticks, or baguette slices. It pairs beautifully with Low-Fat Almost Fried Potatoes for a satisfying snack spread. For a colorful presentation, arrange with seasonal fruits like grapes or apple slices on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To maintain freshness, avoid rolling the cheese ball in the nuts and parsley until serving. If you want to serve it warm, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wilshire Salad Cheese Ball contains roughly 905 calories, with 73g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (332% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (241% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1452mg per serving (63% 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 in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball a day ahead. Simply shape it and refrigerate. Roll it in the nuts and parsley just before serving to keep the coating fresh and crunchy.
What can I use instead of walnuts?
If you're looking for an alternative to walnuts due to allergies or taste preferences, pecans work wonderfully. You could also use sunflower seeds for a nut-free option, providing a nice crunch.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products. However, always check that the cheeses used are vegetarian certified, especially if you are serving it to strict vegetarians.
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).