Cheese Ball
There’s something undeniably delightful about a cheese ball. Whether it’s at a holiday gathering, a casual get-together, or just a cozy night in, this creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet cheese ball is the perfect centerpiece for any cheese platter. It’s versatile enough to cater to various palates and offers a beautiful presentation that’s sure to impress your guests. With a blend of goat cheese, cream cheese, and a hint of heat from hot sauce, this recipe is bound to become your go-to appetizer.
Why I Love This Recipe
This cheese ball recipe strikes a perfect balance between creaminess and crunch. The sweetness of chopped dates complements the tangy flavors of the cheese, while the roasted pecans add a satisfying crunch. The dish is simple to prepare yet delivers a gourmet experience, making it a fantastic option for entertaining. Plus, it can be made in advance, allowing you to enjoy your time with guests rather than being stuck in the kitchen.
Ingredient Breakdown
- 4 oz goat cheese (or 2 oz each goat cheese and blue cheese), at room temperature: This adds a rich, tangy flavor to the cheese ball.
- 3 oz cream cheese, at room temperature: Provides a creamy base that binds everything together.
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Enhances the creaminess and adds flavor.
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce: Gives a hint of heat to balance the sweetness of the dates.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- ¾ cup chopped dates (see note): Adds natural sweetness and a chewy texture.
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped scallions, white and green parts, from 2 to 3 scallions: Provides a fresh, oniony flavor.
- 1 cup salt-and-butter roasted pecans, chopped (see recipe below) or store-bought salted pecans: Adds crunch and depth of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped flat-leaf parsley: For a fresh, herbal note and garnish.
- 2 cups pecan halves: These will be used for coating the cheese ball.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Helps to adhere the pecans to the cheese ball.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: For seasoning the pecans.
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients.
- Hand mixer: To easily blend the cheese and butter.
- Plastic wrap: For shaping and chilling the cheese ball.
- Serving platter: To beautifully present your cheese ball.
- Chef’s knife: For chopping ingredients like dates and scallions.
Mastering Cheese Ball: How-To
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Let the goat cheese, cream cheese, and unsalted butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure they blend smoothly.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese Base
In a mixing bowl, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, and softened butter. Use a hand mixer on medium speed to blend until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
Step 3: Add Flavorings
Add the hot sauce, salt, chopped dates, and scallions to the cheese mixture. Stir with a spatula until everything is evenly combined.
Step 4: Shape the Cheese Ball
Scoop the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Wrap it up tightly and shape it into a ball. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
Step 5: Prepare the Pecan Coating
While the cheese ball is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, toss the pecan halves with melted butter and sprinkle with salt. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast for about 10 minutes, until fragrant and slightly golden. Allow them to cool.
Step 6: Coat the Cheese Ball
Once the cheese ball is firm, unwrap it from the plastic wrap. Roll it in the chopped roasted pecans until fully coated. Place it on a serving platter.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the top of the cheese ball with finely chopped flat-leaf parsley for a fresh touch. Serve with an assortment of crackers, breadsticks, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
International Equivalents
- Goat cheese: Known as “chèvre” in French cuisine.
- Cream cheese: Similar to “queso crema” in Latin American cooking.
- Pecans: In some regions, you can substitute with walnuts or hazelnuts.
- Dates: Known as “tamr” in Arabic-speaking countries.
Pro Tips & Notes
- For a smokier flavor, consider adding smoked paprika to the cheese mixture.
- Feel free to substitute the dates with dried cranberries or apricots for a different flavor profile.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your heat preference.
- If you’re not a fan of pecans, chopped almonds or walnuts work just as well for the coating.
Make-Ahead & Storage
This cheese ball can be made up to 3 days in advance. Just keep it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. If you prefer, you can coat it in pecans just before serving to maintain the crunch. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Quick Q&A
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used, but it may affect the texture and creaminess of the cheese ball.
What can I serve with the cheese ball?
Serve with an assortment of crackers, sliced baguette, fresh vegetables, or even apple slices for a delightful contrast.
Can I freeze the cheese ball?
Yes, you can freeze the cheese ball before coating it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
What if I don’t like goat cheese?
If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, you can replace it with cream cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and cheddar for a different flavor.
Quick Weeknight Wins
The Takeaway
A cheese ball is more than just an appetizer; it’s a conversation starter, a delightful treat that brings people together. This recipe, with its creamy texture, vibrant flavors, and crunchy coating, is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party or just indulging in a cozy night at home, this cheese ball will add a touch of elegance and deliciousness to your spread. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to impress with this exceptional cheese ball recipe!
Cheese Ball
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. Let the goat cheese, cream cheese, and unsalted butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure they blend smoothly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, and softened butter. Use a hand mixer on medium speed to blend until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Add the hot sauce, salt, chopped dates, and scallions to the cheese mixture. Stir with a spatula until everything is evenly combined.
- Scoop the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Wrap it up tightly and shape it into a ball. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- While the cheese ball is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, toss the pecan halves with melted butter and sprinkle with salt. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast for about 10 minutes, until fragrant and slightly golden. Allow them to cool.
- Once the cheese ball is firm, unwrap it from the plastic wrap. Roll it in the chopped roasted pecans until fully coated. Place it on a serving platter.
- Sprinkle the top of the cheese ball with finely chopped flat-leaf parsley for a fresh touch. Serve with an assortment of crackers, breadsticks, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- For a smokier flavor, consider adding smoked paprika to the cheese mixture.
- Feel free to substitute the dates with dried cranberries or apricots for a different flavor profile.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your heat preference.
- If you’re not a fan of pecans, chopped almonds or walnuts work just as well for the coating.
