Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup prepared horseradish
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Baking sheet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, horseradish, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Place a large piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the plastic wrap and shape into a ball.
4. Wrap the cheese ball tightly with the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
6. Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes, until fragrant and lightly browned.
7. Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it.
8. Roll the cheese ball in the toasted pecans, pressing gently to adhere.
9. Serve with crackers or sliced vegetables.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Refrigeration time: 2 hours or overnight
- Cooking time: 5-7 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Serving size:
- This recipe makes one cheese ball, serving 8-10 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of cheddar cheese, you can use any other type of shredded cheese, such as pepper jack or Swiss.
- If you don't have prepared horseradish, you can use fresh grated horseradish or horseradish sauce.
- You can substitute the pecans with any other type of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds.
Variations:
- Add chopped cooked bacon or ham to the cheese mixture for a meaty twist.
- Roll the cheese ball in chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, instead of pecans.
- Use this cheese mixture as a filling for stuffed mushrooms or jalapeno poppers.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing it with the other ingredients.
- Toasting the pecans brings out their flavor and adds a nice crunch to the cheese ball.
- For a spicier cheese ball, add more horseradish or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Storage instructions:
- Store the cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
- This cheese ball is best served cold, so there is no need to reheat it.
Presentation ideas:
- Place the cheese ball on a platter surrounded by crackers or sliced vegetables.
- Use a cheese knife to cut the cheese ball into wedges for easy serving.
Garnishes:
- Garnish the cheese ball with fresh herbs or edible flowers.
Pairings:
- Serve this cheese ball with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve the cheese ball with crackers, sliced baguette, or sliced vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese mixture is too soft to shape into a ball, refrigerate it for a few minutes to firm up.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use clean hands and utensils when handling the cheese ball.
- Keep the cheese ball refrigerated until ready to serve.
Food history:
- Cheese balls have been a popular party food since the 1940s.
Flavor profiles:
- This cheese ball has a creamy, tangy flavor from the cream cheese and cheddar cheese, with a spicy kick from the horseradish.
Serving suggestions:
- This cheese ball is perfect for parties, potlucks, or as a snack.
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