Festive Holiday Cheese Balls
Elevate your holiday gatherings with these delightful Festive Holiday Cheese Balls, a perfect blend of rich cream cheese and sharp cheddar, livened up with a touch of onion, pimiento, and bell pepper. Rolled in crispy, toasted pecans, these cheese balls not only look great on any charcuterie board but also tantalize the taste buds with their creamy, crunchy texture. Serve them alongside an assortment of crackers for a sophisticated appetizer that’s sure to impress family and friends this Christmas season!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream Cheese
16 (ounces, softened)
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
2 (cups, shredded)
Onion
1 (teaspoon, finely chopped)
Pimiento
1 (teaspoon, diced)
Green Pepper
1 (teaspoon, finely chopped)
Worcestershire Sauce
2 (teaspoons)
Lemon Juice
1 (teaspoon)
Chopped Pecans
to taste (toasted)
Assorted Crackers
to serve
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, finely chopped onion, diced pimiento, finely chopped green pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice.
2
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined and creamy.
3
Divide the mixture into two equal portions and shape each portion into a round ball using your hands.
4
Roll each cheese ball in toasted chopped pecans until fully coated, ensuring a crunchy exterior.
5
Place the cheese balls on a serving platter, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and the cheese to firm up.
6
For best results, remove from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
7
Serve with an assortment of crackers for an inviting holiday appetizer.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Festive Holiday Cheese Balls?
Festive Holiday Cheese Balls are a savory appetizer made from a blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, vegetables, and seasonings, then rolled in toasted pecans for a crunchy exterior.
How many cheese balls does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to be divided into two equal portions, resulting in two cheese balls.
Can I make these cheese balls in advance?
Yes, you can make them ahead of time. In fact, they need to be refrigerated for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld, but they can be made a day or two in advance.
How long should I refrigerate the cheese balls before serving?
The cheese balls should be refrigerated for at least 1 hour to allow the mixture to firm up and the flavors to develop.
Should the cheese balls be served straight from the fridge?
For the best texture and flavor, it is recommended to remove them from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving so they soften slightly.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses a combination of softened cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
What ingredients provide the 'crunch' in these cheese balls?
The crunch comes from the exterior coating of toasted chopped pecans.
What are pimientos and where can I find them?
Pimientos are small, sweet red peppers. They are typically found in jars in the condiment or olive aisle of most grocery stores.
Can I use a different type of nut for the coating?
While the recipe calls for pecans, you can easily substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios for a different festive look.
How do I toast the pecans?
You can toast chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes or in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until fragrant.
What should I serve with Festive Holiday Cheese Balls?
These are best served with an assortment of crackers, though baguette slices or vegetable crudites also work well.
Is there a substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, you can use a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar for a similar umami depth.
Can I use light cream cheese?
Yes, you can use light cream cheese, though the texture may be slightly softer than when using full-fat cream cheese.
How long do leftovers stay fresh?
Leftover cheese balls can be stored in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped in plastic, for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze these cheese balls?
It is not recommended to freeze cheese balls as the texture of the cream cheese can become grainy once thawed.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides approximately 8 servings.
Do I need a food processor for this recipe?
No, a food processor isn't necessary. You can mix the ingredients by hand in a large mixing bowl until creamy.
What can I use instead of green pepper?
You can use red bell pepper for a more festive color or omit it entirely if you prefer a smoother texture.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Most Worcestershire sauces contain anchovies, so you would need to use a vegetarian-certified Worcestershire sauce to make this recipe vegetarian.
Can I make mini cheese balls instead of two large ones?
Absolutely! You can roll the mixture into bite-sized balls and insert a pretzel stick or toothpick for easy individual serving.
How do I stop the cheese from sticking to my hands while rolling?
If the cheese is too sticky, try lightly greasing your hands with a bit of oil or dampening them with water before shaping the balls.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
Yes, adding a half teaspoon of garlic powder or one clove of minced garlic can enhance the savory profile.
What is the role of lemon juice in the recipe?
The lemon juice adds a touch of acidity that brightens the flavors and cuts through the richness of the cheese.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
While you can use pre-shredded cheese, shredding your own from a block provides a better texture and prevents the additives in pre-shredded cheese from making the ball crumbly.
Can I use white cheddar instead of orange sharp cheddar?
Yes, white sharp cheddar works perfectly and can give the cheese ball a different elegant look.
How much onion is in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of finely chopped onion, providing a subtle savory hint without being overpowering.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The cheese ball itself is gluten-free (check your Worcestershire sauce label), but you must serve it with gluten-free crackers to keep the dish gluten-free for guests.
What should I do if my cheese ball is too soft to shape?
If the mixture is too soft, place the bowl in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to firm up before attempting to shape the balls.
Can I add bacon bits to the coating?
Yes, mixing bacon bits with the chopped pecans for the coating adds a delicious smoky flavor.
How should I store the cheese balls if I have a party later?
Keep them covered in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until about 15 minutes before the party begins to ensure they stay fresh and hold their shape.