The Festive Cheese Ball is a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer that brings joy to any gathering. It’s creamy, herby, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect party snack. This cheese ball is not only tasty but also visually appealing, making it a great centerpiece for your celebration table.
Table of Contents
Why make this recipe
Making a Festive Cheese Ball is a fantastic way to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. It combines simple ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite cheeses, herbs, and nuts. Plus, it’s an excellent way to start conversations and enjoy time with friends and family while snacking.
How to make it
Ingredients:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz goat cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 1/2 cup chopped herbs (parsley, chives, or dill)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Assorted crackers or vegetables for serving
Directions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and goat cheese until smooth.
- Add shredded cheese, herbs, bell pepper, nuts, garlic, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Shape the mixture into a ball or mini balls.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- Serve with assorted crackers or vegetables.
Festive Cheese Ball
A delightful and creamy cheese ball appetizer, perfect for any gathering.
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz goat cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 1/2 cup chopped herbs (parsley, chives, or dill)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Assorted crackers or vegetables for serving
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and goat cheese until smooth.
- Add shredded cheese, herbs, bell pepper, nuts, garlic, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Shape the mixture into a ball or mini balls.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- Serve with assorted crackers or vegetables.
Notes
Make sure the cream cheese and goat cheese are softened for easier mixing. Experiment with different herbs and nuts to find your favorite combination.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
How to serve
The Festive Cheese Ball is best served chilled. Arrange it on a cheese board with a variety of crackers and fresh vegetables for dipping. You can also place it on a festive plate for a lovely presentation, include it in your Christmas Charcuterie Board, for example. Guests can easily spread the cheese on crackers or enjoy with crunchy veggies.
How to store
To store the cheese ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator where it can last for about a week. If you want to prepare it in advance, making it a day or two before your event works well, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Tips
- Make sure the cream cheese and goat cheese are softened for easier mixing.
- Experiment with different herbs and nuts to find your favorite combination.
- For a fun twist, add spices like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for some heat.
- Consider rolling the cheese ball in extra chopped herbs or nuts for a beautiful finish.
Variations
You can vary this cheese ball by adding different ingredients like dried cranberries for sweetness or even bacon bits for a savory touch. Swap out the herbs or try different types of cheese based on your taste preferences.
FAQs
1. Can I make the cheese ball ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cheese ball a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
2. What can I use instead of goat cheese?
You can substitute goat cheese with feta or a cream cheese blend if you’re not a fan of goat cheese.
3. What should I serve with the cheese ball?
Serve the cheese ball with a selection of crackers, vegetable sticks, or even slices of baguette for variety.
Conclusion
The Festive Cheese Ball is an excellent addition to any gathering. Its creamy texture and savory flavors make it a hit among guests of all ages. Simple to prepare and customize, this cheese ball will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the deliciousness and festivities it brings to your table!
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