If you're looking for an easy and delicious party appetizer, look no further than a cheese ball! This classic appetizer is perfect for any occasion and can be customized to fit your taste preferences. In this recipe, we'll show you how to make a basic cheese ball that can be adapted to include your favorite herbs and spices.
Ingredients
To make a basic cheese ball, you will need: - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/4 cup chopped green onions - 1/4 tsp garlic powder - 1/4 tsp onion powder - 1/4 tsp salt - 1/4 tsp black pepper - 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Optional Additions
If you want to add some extra flavor to your cheese ball, consider adding one or more of the following ingredients: - 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, or dill) - 1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon - 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes - 1/4 cup chopped olives
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a wooden spoon or electric mixer to mix until well combined. 2. If you are adding any optional ingredients, fold them into the cheese mixture at this time. 3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the cheese mixture is firm enough to shape into a ball. 4. Once the cheese mixture has firmed up, use your hands to shape it into a ball. If you like, you can roll the ball in chopped pecans until it is completely coated. 5. Place the cheese ball on a serving platter and serve with crackers, sliced vegetables, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition
The nutritional information for this cheese ball recipe will vary depending on the optional ingredients you choose to add. However, here is the approximate nutrition information for a basic cheese ball made with the ingredients listed above: - Calories: 170 per serving (1/8 of the cheese ball) - Total Fat: 16g - Saturated Fat: 8g - Cholesterol: 45mg - Sodium: 230mg - Total Carbohydrates: 2g - Dietary Fiber: 1g - Sugars: 1g - Protein: 4g
Conclusion
This cheese ball recipe is a classic appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party or just looking for a tasty snack, this cheese ball is sure to please. Customize it with your favorite herbs and spices to make it your own, and enjoy with your favorite crackers or vegetables.