Description
This Holiday Cheese Ball is a festive and flavorful appetizer made with creamy cheeses, herbs, and spices, then rolled in crunchy toppings. It’s perfect for entertaining during the holidays and pairs beautifully with crackers or veggies.
Ingredients
- 2 (8-ounce) blocks of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional, for coating)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped (optional, for coating)
- Crackers and veggies, for serving
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix thoroughly until well combined and smooth.
- Shape the cheese mixture into a ball using your hands or plastic wrap.
- Mix coating ingredients like chopped pecans, cranberries, and parsley in a shallow dish.
- Roll the cheese ball in the coating mixture until fully covered.
- Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Remove from fridge and let soften slightly before serving with crackers or veggies.
Notes
- You can make the cheese ball up to 3 days in advance.
- Feel free to customize the coating or add-ins like green onions or bacon bits.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12th of cheese ball
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
