The Delicious Christmas Cheese Ball is a festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer that will elevate any holiday gathering. This easy-to-make Delicious Christmas Cheese Ball recipe provides a delightful blend of savory and tangy flavors, making it the perfect centerpiece for your seasonal celebrations and a fantastic way to kick off your holiday feast.
Key Ingredients for Delicious Christmas Cheese Ball
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans, plus additional for coating
- ¼ cup finely chopped green onions (scallions)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Assorted crackers, pita bread, or vegetable sticks for serving
How to Make Delicious Christmas Cheese Ball
This Delicious Christmas Cheese Ball is incredibly easy to make, delivering a delicious and satisfying appetizer with minimal effort. Its creamy texture, savory blend of cheeses, and crunchy pecan coating make it a standout. The rich flavors are perfectly balanced, making it an irresistible addition to your holiday table, and it comes together in just 20 minutes of active preparation time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Mix Thoroughly: Using a sturdy spoon or electric mixer on low speed, mix all the ingredients until well combined and smooth. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated.
- Incorporate Add-ins: Gently fold in the ½ cup of finely chopped pecans and the finely chopped green onions. Mix until they are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
- Form the Ball: Transfer the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Using your hands, shape the mixture into a firm, round ball. Ensure it’s tightly packed and smooth.
- Chill for Firmness: Wrap the cheese ball tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time is crucial for the cheese ball to firm up and for the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Coat with Pecans: Before serving, unwrap the chilled cheese ball. Spread the additional finely chopped pecans (about ½ to ¾ cup) onto a clean plate or cutting board. Roll the cheese ball in the pecans, pressing gently to ensure an even and thorough coating on all sides.
- Serve and Enjoy: Place the Delicious Christmas Cheese Ball on a festive platter. Arrange assorted crackers, pita bread, and fresh vegetable sticks around it for dipping. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!
Why You’ll Love This Delicious Christmas Cheese Ball
You’ll adore this Delicious Christmas Cheese Ball because it’s a show-stopping appetizer that’s surprisingly simple to create. The star feature is its irresistible combination of creamy cheeses perfectly seasoned with a hint of garlic and onion, all enrobed in a nutty pecan crust. Making this at home saves you a significant amount compared to store-bought versions or catering, and the satisfaction of crafting such a beautiful dish yourself is priceless.
The flavorful toppings, especially the crunchy pecans and fresh green onions, provide a wonderful textural contrast and burst of flavor that elevates this cheese ball beyond a simple dip. It’s far more substantial and visually appealing than a basic cheese spread. Don’t wait – try making this delightful Delicious Christmas Cheese Ball recipe today and impress your guests!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store your Delicious Christmas Cheese Ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container immediately after unwrapping. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. If you’ve already coated it in pecans, there’s no need to remove them; just wrap it well. For optimal flavor and texture, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly.
While cheese balls aren’t “reheated” in the traditional sense, if you want to freeze one for future enjoyment, prepare it up to the point of coating it with pecans. Wrap the pecan-free cheese ball securely in several layers of plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. To serve, thaw the frozen cheese ball in the refrigerator overnight, then proceed with rolling it in pecans and serving as usual.
Final Thoughts
This Delicious Christmas Cheese Ball is truly the perfect festive appetizer, offering a delightful blend of simple preparation and incredible flavor. I highly encourage you to whip up this easy and impressive recipe for your next holiday gathering; it’s guaranteed to be a hit and will add a touch of cheer to any table.
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Delicious Christmas Cheese Ball
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, Pinch red pepper flakes
- Using a sturdy spoon or electric mixer on low speed, mix all the ingredients until well combined and smooth. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated.
- Gently fold in the ½ cup of finely chopped pecans and the finely chopped green onions. Mix until they are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.½ cup finely chopped pecans, ¼ cup finely chopped green onions (scallions)
- Transfer the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Using your hands, shape the mixture into a firm, round ball. Ensure it’s tightly packed and smooth.
- Wrap the cheese ball tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time is crucial for the cheese ball to firm up and for the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Before serving, unwrap the chilled cheese ball. Spread the additional finely chopped pecans (about ½ to ¾ cup) onto a clean plate or cutting board. Roll the cheese ball in the pecans, pressing gently to ensure an even and thorough coating on all sides.½ cup finely chopped pecans
- Place the Delicious Christmas Cheese Ball on a festive platter. Arrange assorted crackers, pita bread, and fresh vegetable sticks around it for dipping. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!Assorted crackers, pita bread, or vegetable sticks