Description

This classic Cheese Ball recipe combines creamy cream cheese and tangy sour cream with a blend of garlic and onion powders for flavor, mixed with sharp shredded cheddar cheese. After chilling to firm up, the cheese is shaped into a ball and coated with crunchy chopped pecans for a perfect appetizer. Serve it at room temperature with your favorite crackers for a crowd-pleasing snack that’s easy to prepare ahead of time.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Mixture

8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 cups (200g) cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

Coating

1 cup (100g) pecans, finely chopped

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Instructions

Combine base ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Blend thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Add cheddar cheese: Incorporate the freshly shredded cheddar cheese into the creamy base, mixing well to ensure even distribution throughout the mixture.
Chill mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour. This chilling step allows the cheese ball to firm up for easier shaping and better flavor melding.
Shape the cheese ball: After chilling, remove the mixture from the fridge. Using greased hands if needed, gather and mold the mixture into a round ball shape.
Coat with pecans: Roll the formed cheese ball in finely chopped pecans, pressing gently to ensure an even coating of nuts all around.
Serve: Let the cheese ball come to room temperature before serving to enhance flavor and texture. Serve it with your favorite crackers as a delicious appetizer.

Notes

For easier handling, grease your hands lightly when shaping the cheese ball.
Freshly shredded cheddar cheese provides better texture and flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
Chilling the mixture is essential for firm shaping and optimal flavor development.
Try rolling the cheese ball in other coatings such as chopped herbs, bacon bits, or chopped olives for variety.
Serve at room temperature to bring out the best taste.