The holidays are just around the corner and with it comes extra opportunities to gather with friends and family. These types of gatherings often include traditional sit-down meals. And there’s nothing like food to get the party started…even before dinner is ready.
Charcuterie boards have risen in popularity over the last few years. With the decorative arrangements of meats, cheeses, crackers, fruits, nuts, sauces and spreads, these works of art offer an array of samplings to hungry guests.
Cheese balls can be attractive additions to a charcuterie board, not only contributing to the cheese, nut and spread categories, but also lending a visual appeal of shape and texture.
This is my tried-and-true recipe for making Cheese Balls. Sometimes I form one large cheese ball, sometimes two smaller cheese balls and sometimes a long, narrow cheese log. It depends on the arrangement I’d like to serve. Making the recipe ahead of time and storing in the refrigerator allows the cheese to firm up and the flavors to blend. It also means you have one less thing to do at the last minute either before serving your guests or before heading out with your cheese ball to contribute to the party.
Whether you’re arranging a charcuterie board or presenting a center stage Cheese Ball with crackers, you can’t go wrong with this recipe.
tried & true Cheeseball Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese grated
- 1 tbsp onion finely chopped
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup pecans finely chopped
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl add all ingredients, except the nuts. Beat with a hand mixer until well combined.
- Shape into a ball or log, then roll in chopped pecans until well coated. Wrap in wax paper and chill for at least 3 hours, and up to several days.
- Add to a charcuterie board or serve with crackers, vegetables, etc.
