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cheese ball

cheese ball

This cheese ball is a delightful appetizer perfect for gatherings, combining creamy flavors and crunchy textures in just 15 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Refrigeration Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Appetizers & Snacks
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Cheese Mixture
  • 16 ounces full-fat cream cheese softened
  • 1.5 cups sharp white cheddar shredded
  • 0.75 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 0.125 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Coating
  • 0.5 cup toasted pecans
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 tablespoon parsley chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chives chopped
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • plastic wrap

Method
 

How to Make a Cheese Ball
  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it's perfectly smooth and creamy.
  2. Incorporate the shredded white cheddar, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and half of the toasted pecans, dried cranberries, parsley, and chives. Stir until well combined.
  3. Moisten your hands lightly with water. Gather the mixture and shape it into a firm ball.
  4. On a clean surface, combine the remaining pecans, cranberries, chives, and pumpkin seeds, and mix them evenly.
  5. Roll the cheese ball over the coating mixture, pressing gently to ensure it’s completely covered.
  6. Wrap the coated cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 to 45 minutes.
  7. Unwrap the cheese ball and transfer it to a serving platter. Serve with crackers.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 6gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Allow the cheese ball to chill for the full 45 minutes if time permits to enhance flavors.

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