Savory Dill Cheeseball Duo
Delight your guests with this Savory Dill Cheeseball Duo, a creamy and flavorful appetizer that combines the richness of light cream cheese and sharp cheddar with the tangy crunch of dill pickles and walnuts. Perfect for gatherings, this recipe makes two beautifully shaped cheese balls that can be served together or separately, ensuring freshness and a delightful flavor experience. Whether you're hosting a party or simply enjoying a cozy gathering, this cheeseball is sure to be a hit. Serve it with crackers, vegetable sticks, or your favorite snacks for a delightful treat!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
light cream cheese
1 package (softened)
sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup (grated)
dill pickle
1/2 cup (chopped)
light mayonnaise
2 tablespoons
Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon
walnuts
1/2 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl or food processor, combine the softened cream cheese, grated sharp cheddar cheese, chopped dill pickle, light mayonnaise, and Worcestershire sauce.
2
Beat the mixture until it is smooth and well-blended. If using a food processor, pulse until homogenous.
3
Once the cheese mixture is well combined, divide it into two equal portions.
4
Shape each portion into a round ball. For added presentation, you can create an attractive surface by rolling the balls gently in your hands.
5
Spread the chopped walnuts on a plate and roll each cheeseball in the walnuts until evenly coated.
6
Cover the cheeseballs with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
7
Serve chilled with an assortment of crackers, sliced vegetables, or your favorite dippers. Enjoy the stunning presentation and the burst of flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Dill Cheeseball Duo?
The Savory Dill Cheeseball Duo is a creamy and flavorful appetizer that combines light cream cheese and sharp cheddar with tangy dill pickles and crunchy walnuts.
How many cheeseballs does this recipe make?
This recipe makes two equal-sized cheeseballs, allowing you to serve them together or separately for freshness.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include light cream cheese, grated sharp cheddar, chopped dill pickles, light mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped walnuts.
Can I use a food processor to mix the ingredients?
Yes, you can combine the cream cheese, cheddar, pickles, mayonnaise, and Worcestershire sauce in a food processor and pulse until the mixture is homogenous.
How should I prepare the cream cheese?
The cream cheese should be softened before mixing to ensure a smooth and well-blended texture.
What is used to coat the outside of the cheeseballs?
The cheeseballs are rolled in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts until they are evenly coated.
How long does the cheeseball need to chill?
The cheeseballs should be chilled in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
What are the best items to serve with this appetizer?
It is best served chilled with an assortment of crackers, sliced vegetables, or your favorite dippers.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve approximately 12 people.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, since it requires several hours of chilling, it is an excellent make-ahead dish for parties and gatherings.
What type of cheddar cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for grated sharp cheddar cheese to provide a rich and tangy flavor profile.
How do I shape the cheeseballs?
After dividing the mixture into two portions, roll each gently in your hands to create an attractive round shape.
Is there mayonnaise in this recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of light mayonnaise are used to help bind the mixture and add creaminess.
What role does Worcestershire sauce play?
Worcestershire sauce adds a savory, umami depth to the cheese mixture.
Are the walnuts toasted?
The recipe specifies chopped walnuts for coating; while not required, you may choose to toast them for extra flavor before rolling the balls.
Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of light?
Yes, regular mayonnaise can be substituted for light mayonnaise without affecting the structure of the recipe.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe, involving simple mixing, shaping, and chilling steps.
How should I store the cheeseballs during the chilling process?
You should cover the cheeseballs with plastic wrap before placing them in the refrigerator.
What is the texture of the finished product?
The interior is creamy and soft, while the exterior provides a crunchy texture from the walnuts.
Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?
Pecans or almonds would make excellent substitutes if you prefer a different nut coating.
Can I use sweet pickles instead of dill pickles?
While you can, it will change the flavor profile significantly from savory and tangy to sweet; dill is recommended for the intended savory flavor.
Is this dish vegetarian?
The recipe is vegetarian, though note that some Worcestershire sauces contain anchovies, so check your labels if serving strict vegetarians.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under 'Cheese' and is considered an appetizer or snack.
Can I make one large cheeseball instead of two?
Absolutely, you can shape the entire mixture into one large ball if you prefer a single centerpiece.
How long will leftovers stay fresh?
If kept covered and refrigerated, leftovers should remain fresh for 3 to 5 days.
Should the cheddar cheese be finely or coarsely grated?
A finer grate typically allows for better distribution throughout the cream cheese mixture.
Is there any salt added to the recipe?
No additional salt is listed, as the pickles, cheddar, and Worcestershire sauce usually provide enough sodium.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Freshly grated cheese is recommended for better texture, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents.
What size cream cheese package is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 standard package of light cream cheese (typically 8 ounces).
What makes this recipe great for parties?
Its stunning presentation, ease of sharing, and the ability to serve it with various dippers make it a perfect party food.