Go Back
Homemade Cheese Ball photo

Cheese Ball

This Cheese Ball is a crowd-pleaser! Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, it's the perfect centerpiece for any cheese platter.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 4 oz goat cheese (or 2 oz each goat cheese and blue cheese), at room temperature
  • 3 oz cream cheese at room temperature
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • ½ teaspoon hot sauce
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup chopped dates (see note)
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped scallions white and green parts, from 2 to 3 scallions
  • 1 cup salt-and-butter roasted pecans chopped (see recipe below) or store-bought salted pecans
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
  • 2 cups pecan halves for coating
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • ¼ teaspoon salt for seasoning the pecans

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer
  • Plastic wrap
  • Serving platter
  • Chef’s knife

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Add the hot sauce, salt, chopped dates, and scallions to the cheese mixture. Stir with a spatula until everything is evenly combined.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.