Savory Cheddar Cheese Ball Delight
This Savory Cheddar Cheese Ball Delight is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines the rich flavors of sharp cheddar and cream cheese, enhanced with zesty Worcestershire sauce and a hint of cayenne pepper. Perfect for any gathering, this cheese ball is not only delicious but also adaptable, as it can be made with lower-fat cheese without sacrificing flavor. Rolled in crunchy pecans, this dish offers a satisfying texture and a wonderful nutty finish that pairs perfectly with crackers, vegetables, or spread on a fresh baguette. Impress your friends and family with this simple yet elegant treat!
24
Servings
75
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
12 ounces (shredded)
Onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
Worcestershire Sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
Cayenne Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Garlic Salt
2 teaspoons (none)
Pecans
1 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the softened cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.
2
Add the chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, and cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture. Continue mixing until all ingredients are well combined.
3
Once combined, use your hands to shape the cheese mixture into a ball.
4
Spread the chopped pecans out on a clean surface or shallow dish. Roll the cheese ball in the pecans, pressing gently to ensure the nuts adhere to the cheese.
5
Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
6
Serve the cheese ball with your choice of crackers, vegetable sticks, or bread slices.
Nutrition Information
5.4g
Fat
1.7g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Cheddar Cheese Ball Delight?
It is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines sharp cheddar, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper, rolled in crunchy pecans.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 24 servings.
How long should the cheese ball be refrigerated?
It should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Can I use lower-fat cheese for this recipe?
Yes, this cheese ball is adaptable and can be made with lower-fat cheese without sacrificing much flavor.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients are cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, onion, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, garlic salt, and pecans.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 75 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 5.4g of fat per serving.
Is there protein in this appetizer?
Yes, there are 5g of protein per serving.
What should I serve with the cheese ball?
It pairs perfectly with crackers, vegetable sticks, or fresh baguette slices.
Do I need any special equipment?
An electric mixer is recommended to combine the cheeses until they are smooth and creamy.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a slight hint of heat from the 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, but it is generally considered savory rather than spicy.
How do I prepare the pecans?
The pecans should be chopped and spread on a clean surface so the cheese ball can be rolled in them.
What type of cheddar cheese is best?
The recipe specifically calls for sharp cheddar cheese to provide a rich and robust flavor.
How much Worcestershire sauce is used?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
Can I use garlic powder instead of garlic salt?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of garlic salt; if using powder, you may need to add additional salt to maintain the flavor profile.
How do I shape the mixture?
After mixing the ingredients, use your hands to shape the cheese mixture into a uniform ball.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are approximately 1.7g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does the recipe include fiber?
The nutritional data indicates a negligible amount of fiber in this recipe.
Should the cream cheese be cold?
No, the cream cheese should be softened to ensure it blends smoothly with the shredded cheddar.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 7 ingredients.
What category does this dish fall into?
This dish is categorized as an Appetizer.
Is the onion cooked before adding?
No, the 1/2 cup of onion should be finely chopped and added raw for texture and zest.
What is the texture of the finished cheese ball?
It is creamy and smooth on the inside with a crunchy, nutty exterior from the pecans.
Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, it is best made at least 2 hours in advance and can be stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
How do I ensure the nuts stick to the cheese?
Press the cheese ball gently while rolling it in the chopped pecans to ensure they adhere properly.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include cheese ball, appetizer, party food, snack, and savory.
Is this a good recipe for large gatherings?
Absolutely, with 24 servings and a simple preparation method, it is ideal for parties.
How should I store leftover cheese ball?
Leftovers should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and kept in the refrigerator.
What flavor profile does the Worcestershire sauce provide?
It adds a zesty, umami depth that enhances the richness of the cheeses.
Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?
While the recipe specifies pecans, you could use walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nutty finish.