Maple-Glazed Garlic Nut Cheese Ball
Delight your taste buds with this savory-sweet Maple-Glazed Garlic Nut Cheese Ball, a delightful addition to any gathering. This crowd-pleaser features a rich and creamy texture, enhanced by the warm notes of maple syrup and aromatic garlic. Rolled in crunchy pecans, it adds a perfect balance of flavors and textures that pairs well with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh veggies. A true showstopper at Pitch-In Parties, this cheese ball is sure to disappear quickly, leaving everyone craving more. Suitable for those with nut allergies, simply substitute the pecans with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch!
1
Servings
120
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1/4 lb (softened)
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Maple Syrup
2 tablespoons (none)
Garlic Powder or Garlic Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Pecans
1 cup (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, cream cheese, maple syrup, and garlic powder or garlic salt. Use a hand mixer or spatula to blend the ingredients until well combined and smooth.
2
Transfer the mixture into a round ball shape using a spatula, and place it onto a piece of plastic wrap.
3
Wrap the mixture tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
4
Once chilled and firm, unwrap the cheese ball and gently shape it more smoothly with your hands to achieve a perfect round form.
5
Spread the finely chopped pecans on a flat surface. Roll the cheese ball in the pecans, ensuring it gets evenly coated.
6
Transfer the coated cheese ball to a serving platter, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy with crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
4g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Maple-Glazed Garlic Nut Cheese Ball?
It is a savory-sweet appetizer featuring a rich, creamy texture with warm notes of maple syrup and aromatic garlic, rolled in crunchy pecans.
What are the primary ingredients for this cheese ball?
The main ingredients include 1/4 lb softened butter, 8 ounces softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or salt, and 1 cup finely chopped pecans.
How long does the cheese ball need to be refrigerated?
The mixture should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours or until firm before shaping and coating.
What can I use as a substitute for pecans if I have a nut allergy?
For those with nut allergies, you can substitute the pecans with fresh parsley for a vibrant and safe alternative.
What should I serve with the Maple-Glazed Garlic Nut Cheese Ball?
This cheese ball pairs exceptionally well with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetables.
How do I ensure the butter and cream cheese blend properly?
Ensure both the butter and the cream cheese are softened before mixing them with a hand mixer or spatula until smooth.
What is the best way to shape the cheese ball?
Transfer the mixture into a round ball shape using a spatula onto plastic wrap, then after chilling, use your hands to smooth it into a perfect round form.
How do I apply the pecan coating?
Spread the finely chopped pecans on a flat surface and gently roll the chilled cheese ball over them until it is evenly coated.
Can I use garlic salt instead of garlic powder?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder or garlic salt depending on your preference.
What is the calorie count for this recipe?
The recipe contains approximately 120 calories per serving.
Is this cheese ball suitable for parties?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser and a true showstopper specifically suited for Pitch-In Parties.
What is the fat content of this appetizer?
This recipe contains 10g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 4g of carbohydrates in each serving.
Does this cheese ball provide any protein?
Yes, it provides 1g of protein per serving.
What food category does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized under Spreads.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 5 ingredients required: butter, cream cheese, maple syrup, garlic seasoning, and pecans.
Do I need any special equipment to make this?
A hand mixer or a spatula is recommended to blend the ingredients effectively.
How should the pecans be prepared?
The pecans should be finely chopped before rolling the cheese ball in them.
Should I refrigerate the cheese ball again after coating it with pecans?
Yes, after coating, transfer it to a serving platter, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you are ready to serve.
Is this a sweet or savory dish?
It is a savory-sweet dish, balancing the sweetness of maple syrup with the savory notes of garlic.
What amount of maple syrup is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of maple syrup.
How much cream cheese is needed?
You will need one 8-ounce package of cream cheese.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe is calculated as 1 total serving or batch.
How much butter is used in the mixture?
The recipe uses 1/4 lb of softened butter.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of powder?
The recipe specifies garlic powder or garlic salt to ensure a smooth texture, though garlic salt is a listed alternative.
Why is plastic wrap necessary for this recipe?
Plastic wrap is used to hold the shape of the cheese ball while it firms up in the refrigerator and to prevent it from drying out.
What is the texture of the outer coating?
The outer coating consists of crunchy, finely chopped pecans which contrast with the creamy interior.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, because it requires at least 2 hours of chilling time, it is an excellent make-ahead appetizer for gatherings.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
The provided nutritional data indicates that the fiber content is negligible or null.
Does the recipe contain sugar?
While maple syrup is used as an ingredient, the specific sugar count is not provided in the nutritional facts, though carbohydrates are listed as 4g.