Gourmet Cheese Ball Delight
Impress your guests with this Gourmet Cheese Ball Delight, a perfect blend of creamy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and smooth havarti cheeses, seasoned with aromatic garlic and robust pepper. This easy-to-make appetizer is not only delicious but also visually appealing when finished with a crunchy pecan crust. Serve it with an assortment of your favorite crackers for a delightful snack at parties, holidays, or family gatherings. Whether for a casual get-together or a festive celebration, this cheese ball is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Cheddar Cheese
1/2 lb (grated)
Havarti Cheese
1/2 lb (grated)
Ground Pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons (freshly ground if possible)
Garlic Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Pecans
1/2 cup (chopped)
Crackers
optional (for serving)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the softened cream cheese in a food processor. Add the grated cheddar and havarti cheese.
2
Blend the mixture until it is creamy and well combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
3
Next, add the ground pepper and garlic salt to the cheese mixture, and pulse until everything is evenly mixed together.
4
Remove the cheese mixture from the processor and shape it into a spherical ball using your hands.
5
Transfer the cheese ball onto a plate lined with wax paper to prevent sticking.
6
Cover the cheese ball with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until it becomes firm.
7
When ready to serve, remove the cheese ball from the fridge and gently press the chopped pecans all over the exterior for a crunchy coating.
8
Place the cheese ball on a serving platter and surround it with an assortment of your favorite crackers. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gourmet Cheese Ball Delight?
It is a creamy appetizer made from a blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and havarti, seasoned with garlic and pepper and coated in pecans.
Which three cheeses are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and smooth havarti cheese.
How much cream cheese is required?
You will need 8 ounces of softened cream cheese.
What is the amount of cheddar cheese needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of grated cheddar cheese.
How much havarti cheese should I use?
You should use 1/2 lb of grated havarti cheese.
What spices season this cheese ball?
The cheese ball is seasoned with ground pepper and garlic salt.
How much ground pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground pepper, preferably freshly ground.
How much garlic salt is in the mixture?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of garlic salt.
What type of nut is used for the crust?
Chopped pecans are used to create the crunchy exterior crust.
How many pecans are needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of chopped pecans.
What is the first step in making the cheese ball?
Begin by placing the softened cream cheese, grated cheddar, and havarti in a food processor.
How should the cheeses be combined?
Blend the cheese mixture in a food processor until it is creamy and well combined.
What should I do if the cheese sticks to the processor?
Scrape down the sides of the food processor as needed to ensure everything is evenly blended.
When do I add the pepper and garlic salt?
Add the pepper and garlic salt after the cheeses are blended, then pulse until mixed.
How do I shape the mixture?
Remove the mixture from the processor and use your hands to shape it into a spherical ball.
What should I use to line the plate?
Place the cheese ball on a plate lined with wax paper to prevent it from sticking.
Why do I use wax paper?
Wax paper is used to ensure the cheese ball can be easily removed from the plate after chilling.
How should the cheese ball be stored before serving?
Cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator.
For how long must the cheese ball refrigerate?
It needs to refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until it becomes firm.
When do I add the pecan coating?
Add the pecan coating right before serving to maintain the crunchiness of the nuts.
How do I apply the pecans?
Gently press the chopped pecans all over the exterior of the firm cheese ball.
What is the best way to serve the cheese ball?
Place it on a serving platter and serve it with an assortment of your favorite crackers.
What should I surround the cheese ball with?
Surround the cheese ball with crackers on a serving platter.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday parties?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being a crowd-pleaser for holidays and family gatherings.
Can I use pre-chopped pecans?
Yes, as long as they are chopped, they will work for the crunchy coating.
What texture should the cheese mixture have?
The mixture should be creamy and smooth before it is shaped and chilled.
Can this be served at a casual get-together?
Absolutely, it is perfect for both casual get-togethers and festive celebrations.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients, including the optional crackers for serving.
Should the cream cheese be cold or softened?
The cream cheese should be softened to ensure a smooth blend in the food processor.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is listed as providing 1 cheese ball serving.