Zesty Mexican Cheese Ball Delight
Elevate your snack game with this Zesty Mexican Cheese Ball Delight, a perfect fusion of spicy and creamy flavors. This innovative twist on the traditional cheese ball combines rich cream cheese with a savory blend of cheddar, aromatic green onions, and zesty taco seasoning, all rolled in crunchy toasted pecans. Ideal for gatherings, game nights, or simply a tasty treat at home, this cheese ball pairs wonderfully with crispy tortilla chips or the popular Scoops corn chips, making every bite an explosion of flavor.
10
Servings
220
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
chopped pecans
2/3 cup (toasted)
melted butter
1 tablespoon
salt
1/8 teaspoon
cream cheese
2 (8 ounce) blocks (softened)
green onions
4 (chopped)
shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup
taco seasoning
1/4 cup
picante sauce
1/4 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C) for toasting the pecans.
2
Spread the chopped pecans evenly on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Once golden and fragrant, remove from the oven and allow them to cool.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled toasted pecans with melted butter and salt, and set aside.
4
In a food processor, blend the softened cream cheese, chopped green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, taco seasoning, and picante sauce until smooth and well-combined.
5
Carefully shape the mixture into a ball, ensuring a good formation. Roll the cheese ball in the seasoned pecans until it is fully coated.
6
Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
7
Serve chilled with an assortment of tortilla chips or Scoops corn chips for an irresistible snack.
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
2.5g
Carbs
6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Mexican Cheese Ball Delight?
It is an innovative snack that combines cream cheese, cheddar, green onions, and taco seasoning, rolled in toasted pecans for a spicy and creamy flavor.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
What are the main ingredients for the cheese ball?
The main ingredients include pecans, butter, salt, cream cheese, green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, taco seasoning, and picante sauce.
How do I prepare the pecans for the coating?
Chop the pecans, toast them at 275°F (135°C) for 20-30 minutes, then toss them with melted butter and salt.
At what temperature should I toast the pecans?
The pecans should be toasted at 275°F (135°C).
How long should the pecans be toasted?
Toast the pecans for 20-30 minutes until they are golden and fragrant.
Do I need a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is used to blend the cream cheese, green onions, cheddar cheese, taco seasoning, and picante sauce until smooth.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese.
How much taco seasoning is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of taco seasoning.
How long does the cheese ball need to refrigerate?
The cheese ball should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
What is the best way to serve the Zesty Mexican Cheese Ball?
It is best served chilled with an assortment of tortilla chips or Scoops corn chips.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 220 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 18 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains about 2.5 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in this cheese ball?
There are 6 grams of protein per serving.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, because it requires at least 2 hours of refrigeration, it is an excellent make-ahead appetizer for parties.
What is the purpose of the picante sauce?
The picante sauce adds moisture and a zesty Mexican flavor profile to the cream cheese mixture.
How do I ensure the pecans don't burn?
Stir the pecans occasionally while they are toasting in the oven.
What kind of green onions should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 chopped green onions to provide an aromatic flavor.
How do I shape the cheese ball?
After blending the ingredients, carefully shape the mixture into a ball by hand before rolling it in the pecan mixture.
Can I use different types of chips?
While tortilla chips and Scoops are recommended, you can use any sturdy cracker or chip that can hold the weight of the cheese spread.
How much cream cheese is needed?
You will need two 8-ounce blocks of softened cream cheese.
Is there salt in the topping?
Yes, 1/8 teaspoon of salt is mixed with the toasted pecans and butter.
How many ingredients are in the entire recipe?
There are 8 ingredients in total.
What is the total preparation time for the pecans?
Between prepping and toasting, it takes about 20-30 minutes for the pecans.
Should the cream cheese be cold when mixing?
No, the cream cheese should be softened to ensure a smooth blend in the food processor.
What size should the pecans be?
The recipe specifies using 2/3 cup of chopped pecans.
Is this recipe suitable for game nights?
Yes, its bold flavors and ease of serving make it an ideal snack for game nights or gatherings.
Do I wrap the cheese ball before or after refrigerating?
Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator.
What provides the 'zesty' flavor mentioned in the title?
The combination of taco seasoning, picante sauce, and green onions provides the signature zesty Mexican taste.