A nutty cheese ball is a delightful blend of savory flavors and textures that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe calls for a mouthwatering mix of cream cheese, tangy blue cheese, zesty black olives, and fragrant chives, all rolled in a crunchy pecan coating. Amidst the sea of traditional party appetizers, this nutty cheese ball stands out as a flavorful and fun option that will have your guests eagerly reaching for more.
Photos of Nutty Cheese Ball Recipe
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are fairly common and can be found in the dairy and produce sections of your local grocery store. The blue cheese and cream cheese form the base of the cheese ball, while the black olives and chives add a pop of flavor. The pecans, used for the outer coating, might require a visit to the nut aisle. Make sure to pick up freeze-dried chives if you don't have them at home - they add a touch of color and concentrated flavor.
Nutty Cheese Ball Ingredients
Cream cheese: Cream cheese is a soft, mild-tasting cheese that gives the cheese ball its creamy texture and subtly sweet flavor.
Blue cheese: Blue cheese adds a strong, tangy flavor that pairs well with the creaminess of the other ingredients.
Black olives: Black olives bring a salty, briny flavor that contrasts nicely with the rich cheeses.
Butter: Butter helps bind the ingredients together while adding a slight richness.
Freeze-dried chives: Freeze-dried chives offer a concentrated burst of onion-like flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Pecans: Pecans provide a crunchy, nutty coating that contrasts with the creamy cheese mixture.
One reader, Holli Davis says:
This nutty cheese ball recipe is a game-changer! The combination of cream cheese, blue cheese, and pecans creates a rich and flavorful appetizer. The addition of black olives adds a nice tangy twist. It's a hit at every party and always leaves guests asking for the recipe. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Making a Nutty Cheese Ball
How to mix the cheese ball ingredients: Thoroughly combine the cream cheese, blue cheese, black olives, butter, and chives in a medium bowl until well blended.
How to form the cheese ball: Shape the mixed ingredients into a ball.
How to coat the cheese ball with pecans: Roll the cheese ball in the chopped pecans until it is completely covered.
How to chill the cheese ball: Wrap the coated cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
How To Make Nutty Cheese Ball
Cream cheese and blue cheese are shaped into one huge ball and rolled in pecans for a nutty and rich cheese ball that pairs best with buttery crackers.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 8ozcream cheese,(1 pkg), softened
- 8ozblue cheese,crumbled
- 4ozblack olives,(1 can), chopped, drained
- ¼cupbutter,softened
- 1tbspfreeze-dried chives
- 1cuppecans,chopped
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix cream cheese, blue cheese, black olives, butter and chives. Form into a ball shape.
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On a piece of plastic wrap large enough to wrap the ball, pour the chopped pecans. Roll the ball in the pecans to cover. Wrap with the plastic. Chill in the refrigerator at least 1 hour before serving.
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Serve with crackers and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 99.94kcal
- Fat: 9.72g
- Saturated Fat: 4.39g
- Trans Fat: 0.07g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.52g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.04g
- Carbohydrates: 1.27g
- Fiber: 0.47g
- Sugar: 0.44g
- Protein: 2.59g
- Cholesterol: 19.34mg
- Sodium: 152.38mg
- Calcium: 57.29mg
- Potassium: 47.43mg
- Iron: 0.28mg
- Vitamin A: 60.71µg
- Vitamin C: 0.12mg
Helpful Technique for Crafting the Perfect Cheese Ball
To ensure your cheese ball has a well-rounded and even coating of pecans, try toasting the nuts lightly before chopping them. This not only enhances their flavor but also makes them stick better to the cheese ball. Also, when forming the cheese ball, try to make it as smooth as possible. This will help the nuts adhere better and give your cheese ball a more uniform appearance.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing a Cheese Ball Recipe
Plan ahead: Prepare all your ingredients and tools before starting to cook to save time and avoid last-minute stress.
Multitask: Look for opportunities to multitask, such as chopping vegetables while waiting for water to boil or preheating the oven.
Efficient tools: Use efficient tools like food processors, mandolines, and kitchen shears to speed up prep work.
One-pot meals: Opt for one-pot meals that minimize cleanup and cooking time, such as stir-fries or sheet pan dinners.
Make-ahead: Prepare components of the recipe in advance, such as sauces or marinades, to streamline the cooking process.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes that could lead to time-consuming fixes or adjustments.
Clean as you go: Wash and put away dishes and utensils as you cook to maintain an organized workspace and reduce cleanup time later.
Time management: Practice good time management by setting timers and prioritizing tasks to ensure everything is ready at the same time.
Substitute Ingredients For Nutty Cheese Ball Recipe
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor to the dish, while also adding a boost of protein.
blue cheese - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese has a tangy and salty flavor similar to blue cheese, making it a suitable substitute in this recipe.
black olives - Substitute with sundried tomatoes: Sundried tomatoes can add a rich umami flavor and a chewy texture similar to black olives, while also providing a pop of color.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter, providing a similar richness and flavor to the dish.
freeze-dried chives - Substitute with fresh chives: Fresh chives can provide a more vibrant and pronounced flavor compared to freeze-dried chives, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
pecans - Substitute with almonds: Almonds can offer a similar nutty flavor and crunchiness to pecans, making them a suitable replacement in this recipe.
Presentation Ideas for a Nutty Cheese Ball
Elevate the cheese ball: Present the cheese ball on a beautiful wooden board or marble platter to give it a sophisticated and rustic feel.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle some freshly picked thyme or rosemary around the cheese ball to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
Accompany with artisanal crackers: Serve the nutty cheese ball with a selection of handcrafted crackers to complement its rich and creamy flavors.
Incorporate seasonal fruits: Add a touch of elegance by arranging a variety of seasonal fruits such as grapes, figs, or pomegranate seeds around the cheese ball for a burst of color and flavor.
Serve on a bed of edible flowers: Create a stunning presentation by placing the cheese ball on a bed of delicate and colorful edible flowers such as pansies or nasturtiums.
Offer a variety of nuts: Alongside the pecans, provide a selection of nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts in small bowls to offer different textures and flavors for guests to enjoy.
Use elegant serving utensils: Present the cheese ball with stylish serving utensils such as silver cheese knives or ornate spreaders to add a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Add a touch of honey: Drizzle a small amount of high-quality honey over the cheese ball to create a beautiful and delicious contrast of flavors.
Essential Tools for Making a Cheese Ball
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, blending, pureeing, and mixing ingredients. It's great for making dips, spreads, and mixing dough.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients and mixing them thoroughly. It comes in various sizes and materials, such as stainless steel, glass, or ceramic, and is a staple in any kitchen.
Plastic wrap: Plastic wrap is used to cover and protect food. It's commonly used for wrapping and storing the cheese ball before chilling it in the refrigerator.
Chopping board: A chopping board provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing ingredients. It's important for cutting the black olives and chopping the pecans for the cheese ball recipe.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurement of ingredients is crucial in cooking and baking. Measuring cups and spoons ensure the precise amount of each ingredient is used in the recipe.
Refrigerator: The refrigerator is essential for chilling the cheese ball before serving. It helps the flavors to meld and the ball to firm up, enhancing the overall taste and texture.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Nutty Cheese Ball
- To store the nutty cheese ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- If you want to freeze the cheese ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. It can be frozen for up to 1 month.
- To thaw the frozen cheese ball, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Once thawed, remove the aluminum foil and plastic wrap, and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly.
- If the cheese ball has been frozen, you may need to reshape it slightly and re-roll it in additional chopped pecans to refresh the coating before serving.
- For optimal flavor and texture, it's best to consume the nutty cheese ball within 1-2 days of making it, whether it has been stored in the refrigerator or thawed from the freezer.
Interesting Trivia About Cheese Balls
The Nutty Cheese Ball recipe is a delightful appetizer that combines the creamy richness of cream cheese and blue cheese with the savory flavors of black olives and pecans. This dish is perfect for entertaining and can be prepared in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together. The combination of cream cheese and blue cheese provides a unique and indulgent taste, while the addition of pecans adds a satisfying crunch. This recipe is a great way to impress your guests with a homemade, flavorful cheese ball that pairs perfectly with crackers. Enjoy creating this delicious and easy-to-make appetizer for your next gathering!
Is Making a Cheese Ball at Home Cost-Effective?
This nutty cheese ball recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as cream cheese, blue cheese, black olives, and pecans, are reasonably priced and can be found in most grocery stores. The recipe yields a substantial cheese ball that can serve a family of 4 as an appetizer or snack. The approximate cost for this recipe for a household of 4 people is around $15-20, making it an affordable and delicious option for gatherings or parties. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is This Cheese Ball Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This cheese ball recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients - cream cheese, blue cheese, and butter - are all high in saturated fat and calories. Blue cheese, in particular, is also high in sodium. The pecans add some healthy fats and fiber, but they are also calorie-dense. The black olives provide some beneficial monounsaturated fats, but they are also high in sodium. The chives add a negligible amount of nutrients. Overall, this recipe is high in fat, calories, and sodium, and low in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
To make this recipe healthier, consider these suggestions:
- Replace half of the cream cheese with a lower-fat variety or Greek yogurt
- Use a smaller amount of a strongly-flavored blue cheese to reduce the overall quantity needed
- Replace the butter with a heart-healthy oil like olive oil
- Increase the amount of chives for more flavor and nutrients
- Swap out some of the pecans for a lower-calorie, fiber-rich option like rolled oats or whole-wheat breadcrumbs
- Serve with vegetable crudités in addition to or instead of crackers to boost the fiber and nutrient content of the overall dish
Editor's Opinion on This Nutty Cheese Ball Recipe
This nutty cheese ball recipe is a delightful combination of creamy and tangy flavors, with a satisfying crunch from the pecans. The blend of cream cheese, blue cheese, and black olives creates a rich and savory base, while the pecans add a wonderful nuttiness. The addition of freeze-dried chives brings a subtle hint of freshness. This cheese ball is perfect for entertaining, as it can be made ahead of time and served with crackers for a delicious appetizer. The flavors and textures in this recipe are sure to impress your guests and elevate any gathering.
Enhance Your Nutty Cheese Ball Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Like Cheese Balls
Recommended Entrees and Desserts to Serve with a Cheese Ball
Why trust this Nutty Cheese Ball Recipe:
This recipe is a must-try for any cheese lover. The combination of creamy cream cheese and bold blue cheese creates a rich and flavorful base. The addition of black olives adds a briny and savory element, while the pecans provide a satisfying crunch. The use of freeze-dried chives ensures a consistent and concentrated flavor. With these high-quality ingredients, this nutty cheese ball promises to be a delectable addition to any gathering.
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