Description
A classic cheese ball loaded with cheddar, Monterey Jack, and blue cheese, coated in crunchy pecans and fresh parsley. Perfect for parties!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 1/2 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (or more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 cups pecans, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Optional: Bacon bits, dried cranberries, everything bagel seasoning, chopped walnuts, pretzel pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and blue cheese (if using). Beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add green onions, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, hot sauce, and black pepper. Mix well. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Prepare the Coating: In a medium bowl, combine chopped pecans and parsley. Add any optional coating ingredients. Mix well.
- Assemble the Cheese Ball: Remove cheese mixture from the refrigerator. Shape into a ball.
- Roll the cheese ball in the pecan mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Ensure the entire ball is coated.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the coating to set.
- Serve: Remove from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving. Place on a platter and serve with crackers, baguette slices, pretzels, or vegetables.
Notes
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with smoked Gouda, pepper jack, or goat cheese.
- Spice It Up: Add more hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
- Sweet and Savory: Incorporate dried cranberries, chopped dates, or honey.
- Herb Infusion: Mix fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives into the cheese mixture.
- Make it Ahead: Can be made up to 3 days in advance.
- Individual Cheese Balls: Make individual cheese balls instead of one large one.
- Coating Alternatives: Use walnuts, almonds, pistachios, or crushed potato chips.
- Vegan Cheese Ball: Use vegan cream cheese and vegan shredded cheese.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with grapes, apple slices, celery sticks, and carrot sticks.
- Presentation: Use a decorative platter, add some fresh herbs, and arrange the crackers and vegetables around the cheese ball in an appealing way.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes