An absolute MUST on any holiday hors d’oeuvres table, this Cream Cheese Ball is a decadent sphere of savory cream cheese coated in pecans.
Whatever prejudices you may have in your heart pertaining to retro party foods, this recipe is sure to change your stance. In the 1940s, the cream cheese ball was something of a dinner party staple because of its big flavor and relatively simple preparation. Not to mention the fact that it happens to be an (objectively) visually adorable addition to any tablescape. Call it a Midwestern, mid-century delicacy, this dish has since spread far and wide. I get the sense that we will continue to see a resurgence in its popularity every decade or so.
Lucky for me, I’ve been enjoying some variation of the classic cream cheese ball my whole life, whether at holiday celebrations with my large family, or at smaller, more intimate gatherings. The texture of the chopped nuts, combined with the savory blend of sharp cheddar and seasoned cream cheese, is absolutely irresistible. If you’re a fan of crackers topped with herby, full-bodied cheese spreads, you’re going to love this dish. And trust me, you’ll definitely want to include this recipe in your holiday menu. But truth be told, you will likely want to use this recipe all year round, because we don’t just gather during the holidays, right?!
Is This Cream Cheese Ball Healthy?
This recipe is fairly low in carbohydrates with just 4g per serving. I would technically label this dish as pescatarian, as one of the ingredients is Worcestershire sauce, which contains anchovies. However, you can opt to use a vegan Worcestershire sauce instead. Alternatively, you can whisk together a splash of soy sauce or tamari with a splash of malt vinegar to achieve a similar flavor. Due to the fact that this recipe is relatively high in the saturated fat category, I would recommend enjoying this in moderation, just like any other yummy party treat.
What Exactly Is Worcestershire Sauce?
Worcestershire sauce is a fermented condiment that was created by English pharmacists in the 19th century. If I had to describe its flavor, I’d say it’s slightly tart, deeply umami, and just a touch sweet. This unique flavor comes from a blend of many ingredients like anchovies, tamarind, vinegar, aromatics, and molasses. A little goes a long way, so this ingredient is typically used in smaller amounts to season burgers, steaks, and even cocktails like the iconic Bloody Mary. While it may seem like a minor ingredient in this recipe, Worcestershire sauce plays a pretty important role in elevating the overall flavor of this cream cheese ball. Just a tablespoon is all it takes to bring a really unique complexity to this delicious appetizer.
INGREDIENTS
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup pecans, chopped and toasted
INSTRUCTIONS
Mix
Combine cream cheese, cheddar, and seasonings.
Chill
Form into a ball and refrigerate.
Roll
Coat with toasted pecans before serving.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
You can prepare this cream cheese ball appetizer up to a day in advance. Simply wrap it in plastic, and wait to coat it with nuts until just before serving. You can also freeze it (without the nuts) for up to 3 months in advance. Allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight, and then coat with nuts before serving. To store any leftovers, transfer to an airtight container, and it will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. For fuss-free enjoyment, allow this dish to sit out at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes prior to serving.
You could use whichever cheese you prefer, of course. Hard or semi-hard cheeses that are shreddable work best. I personally like cheddar in this recipe because it’s rich and sharp and adds so much flavor to the cream cheese. However, if you have other preferences and would like to get creative, go for it!
As a rule, don’t let dairy-based cream cheese sit out for longer than two hours to prevent any harmful bacteria growth.
Serving Suggestions
For this cream cheese ball appetizer, you can’t go wrong serving it with a delicious variety of crackers. If you’re looking for some top choices, take your pick between these outstanding Flax Seed Crackers, these Almond-Flour Crackers, or these elevated copycat Homemade Ritz Crackers.
If you’re looking for other dips to serve alongside this on a buffet, here are a few recipes you may want to try: Vegan Spinach Dip, Onion Dip, Pimento Cheese spread, or Jarlsberg Cheese Dip.
Cream Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
- 1/4 cup green onions finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup pecans chopped and toasted
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well blended.
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Transfer the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap.
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Use the wrap to shape the mixture into a ball. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
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Roll the chilled cheese ball in toasted chopped pecans until fully coated.
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Serve with crackers or sliced baguette.
Nutrition
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