Ingredients with Measurements:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup whiskey
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, whiskey, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until it is well combined and smooth.
3. Place a large piece of plastic wrap on a clean surface and scoop the cheese mixture onto the center of the plastic wrap.
4. Use the plastic wrap to shape the cheese mixture into a ball, wrapping the plastic wrap tightly around the cheese ball.
5. Place the cheese ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the cheese ball is firm.
6. Once the cheese ball is firm, remove it from the refrigerator and remove the plastic wrap.
7. Roll the cheese ball in the chopped pecans, pressing the pecans into the cheese to adhere.
8. Serve the whiskey-spiked cheese ball with crackers or sliced baguette.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes
5. Temperature:
Refrigerate the cheese ball at 40°F or below.
Serving size:
This recipe makes one large cheese ball, serving 10-12 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 260
Total Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 61mg
Sodium: 360mg
Total Carbohydrates: 5g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of pecans, you can use chopped walnuts or almonds.
- If you don't have whiskey, you can use bourbon or rum.
- You can use any type of shredded cheese you prefer, such as pepper jack or gouda.
Variations:
- Add chopped green onions or chives to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
- Roll the cheese ball in crumbled bacon instead of pecans.
- Use different spices to customize the flavor of the cheese ball.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing it with the other ingredients.
- Use a high-quality whiskey for the best flavor.
- If the cheese ball is too soft to roll in the pecans, refrigerate it for a few more minutes until it is firm enough to handle.
Storage instructions:
Store the whiskey-spiked 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:
Serve the cheese ball on a platter with crackers and sliced baguette. You can also garnish the platter with fresh herbs or fruit.
Garnishes:
Fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, make a great garnish for the cheese ball.
Pairings:
This cheese ball pairs well with a variety of crackers, sliced baguette, and fresh fruit.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve the cheese ball with a side of olives or pickles for a salty contrast.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the cheese ball is too soft to shape, refrigerate it for a few more minutes until it is firm enough to handle.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to refrigerate the cheese ball at 40°F or below to prevent bacterial growth.
Food history:
Cheese balls have been a popular party food since the 1940s. They were often made with cream cheese and rolled in nuts or herbs.
Flavor profiles:
This whiskey-spiked cheese ball has a rich and creamy flavor with a hint of smokiness from the paprika and cayenne pepper.
Serving suggestions:
Serve this cheese ball as an appetizer at a party or as a snack for a cozy night in.
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Taste: Savory, Tangy, Spicy, Rich, Whiskey, Creamy, Whiskey-Flavored