Description
Ina Garten’s irresistible cheese ball brings classic cocktail party charm with creamy herbed goodness. Guests will devour this elegant appetizer that combines sharp cheeses, fresh herbs, and a crisp exterior perfect for crackers or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature
- ¾ cup (177 milliliters) shredded smoked Cheddar
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup (118 milliliters) chopped green olives
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) onion powder
- 1 teaspoon (2 grams) sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon (2 grams) freshly ground black pepper
Coating and Garnish:
- ¾ cup (85 grams) finely chopped toasted pecans
- ¼ cup (15 grams) minced fresh chives
- Crackers for serving
Instructions
- Thoroughly blend softened cream cheese with house seasoning using an electric mixer until achieving a velvety, uniform consistency.
- Incorporate smoked Cheddar cheese, finely chopped green olives, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce into the cream cheese mixture, blending until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Prepare a coating station by combining finely chopped pecans (1 cup or 120 grams) and delicately minced chives in a shallow mixing bowl.
- Utilize plastic wrap to carefully mold the seasoned cheese mixture into a compact, spherical shape, ensuring smooth surfaces.
- Gently roll the cheese ball through the pecan and chive mixture, applying light pressure to ensure complete and even coating.
- Transfer the coated cheese ball to a clean plate or storage container, then refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour or up to 12 hours to allow flavors to meld and texture to firm.
- Prior to serving, remove from refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften slightly, which enhances flavor and spreadability.
- Present alongside an assortment of crisp crackers, providing guests with a delightful appetizer option.
Notes
- Unlock a flavor explosion that transforms ordinary gatherings into memorable culinary experiences.
- Smoky cheddar and briny green olives create an unexpected taste adventure for adventurous appetizer lovers.
- Toasting pecans beforehand introduces a gorgeous nutty complexity that elevates the entire cheese ball’s texture and flavor profile.
- Advance preparation allows ingredients to harmonize, developing deeper, more sophisticated taste notes that will impress guests.
- Flexible serving options make this recipe perfect for everything from elegant cocktail parties to laid-back weekend get-togethers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg