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Classic Cheese Ball

Classic Cheese Ball
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A Classic Cheese Ball is a creamy, tangy, and crunchy appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. Combining smooth cream cheese with sharp cheddar, fresh green onions, and savory Worcestershire sauce, it’s coated in chopped nuts for a delightful texture and flavor contrast. Customizable and easy to prepare ahead, this cheese ball is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Base

  • 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Flavorings

  • 2–3 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Coating

  • 3/4 cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds), finely chopped or pulsed
  • Fresh herbs (parsley or chives), finely chopped, optional

Instructions

  1. Soften and Combine the Cheeses: Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mixing thoroughly until smooth and well-blended. This base mixture should be creamy yet firm enough to hold shape once chilled.
  2. Add Flavorings: Stir in the finely chopped green onions, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder evenly into the cheese mixture. These ingredients enhance the flavor with fresh, savory, and subtle garlic notes.
  3. Shape the Cheese Ball: Using your hands or a spatula, form the mixture into a tight ball. It should be compact yet soft. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up, making it easier to coat.
  4. Prepare the Coating: While the cheese ball chills, finely chop the nuts or pulse them in a food processor to get a texture that adds crunch without being too coarse. Mix in fresh herbs if desired for added flavor and color.
  5. Coat the Cheese Ball: Remove the chilled cheese ball from the refrigerator and roll it gently in the nut mixture until fully coated. Press lightly to ensure the coating sticks well, creating a crunchy exterior that complements the creamy inside.
  6. Chill Before Serving: Place the coated cheese ball back into the fridge for 30 minutes to set. This helps meld the flavors and firms the exterior, making slicing and serving easier and cleaner.

Notes

  • Use full-fat cream cheese for the best creamy texture and richer flavor.
  • Shred cheese fresh instead of relying on pre-shredded for better smoothness in the mix.
  • Chilling adequately is key to maintain shape and ease coating.
  • Lightly toast nuts to enhance their aroma and add subtle depth of flavor.
  • Mix cheese and flavorings just until combined to preserve a pleasant slightly chunky texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheese ball, classic cheese ball, appetizer, party food, cream cheese, sharp cheddar, crunchy coating, nut-coated cheese ball

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/classic-cheese-ball/