Wine Pecan Cheese Balls
Creamy, nutty cheese balls with a touch of white wine and savory spices, perfect for entertaining or snacking with crackers. Rich flavors appealing to cheese lovers.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. sharp cheese, grated and softened to room temperature ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. Longhorn cheese, grated and softened to room temperature ⓘ
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1 small onion, grated ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, grated ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. white wine
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 c. mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 c. finely chopped pecans ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix together the grated sharp cheese, grated Longhorn cheese, softened cream cheese, grated onion, grated garlic, white wine, Worcestershire sauce, and mayonnaise.
- Form the mixture into two balls or one log roll.
- Roll the formed cheese mixture in the chopped pecans until evenly coated.
- Wrap the cheese balls or log and chill for up to a week before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, let the cheeses soften at room temperature longer before mixing. If you prefer a milder flavor, consider using mild cheddar instead of sharp cheese. You can also substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different crunch. To enhance the flavor, add fresh herbs like chives or parsley to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These cheese balls make an excellent appetizer for parties or gatherings and pair beautifully with crackers, fresh vegetables, or slices of baguette. Serve alongside a chilled glass of white wine for a delightful pairing. They can also be included on a charcuterie board with fruits and cured meats, making them perfect for entertaining.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to serve them warm, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving, or briefly microwave them on low power to soften slightly without melting.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wine Pecan Cheese Balls contains roughly 426 calories, with 9g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (13% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g 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 these cheese balls in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese balls or log up to a week in advance. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
What can I use instead of white wine?
If you prefer not to use white wine, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for a touch of acidity. This will maintain the flavor balance without altering the texture of the cheese mixture.
Can I freeze these cheese balls?
Yes, you can freeze the cheese balls before rolling them in pecans. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to use, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling in pecans and serving.
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).