Is there anything more satisfying than a classic, homemade Cheese Ball? I think not! This delectable recipe has been a staple at family gatherings and parties for as long as I can remember, and for good reason. It’s creamy, it’s cheesy, and it’s unbelievably flavorful. Made with a blend of cream cheese and cheddar, with a hint of lemon juice and a mix of spices, this Cheese Ball recipe is a crowd pleaser that never fails to impress. Plus, it’s super easy to make! If you’ve never made a cheese ball before, don’t worry – I’ll walk you through every step of the process. By the end of this post, you’ll be a certified Cheese Ball expert. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this deliciously cheesy recipe!
Ingredients
- 16 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 lb. Cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 tsp. lemon juice
- 2 tsp. grated onion
- 1 tsp. dry mustard
- 1 tsp. soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 2 Tbsp. parsley
Mixing Process
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Mix at low speed until well blended.
- Chill until firm.
- Shape into ball and roll in chopped pecans.
- Wrap in foil and refrigerate overnight.
Calorie: 0
Total cooking time:
Difficulty level:
The Great Cheese Ball Escapade
Once upon a kitchen time, in a land not too far away, I decided to undertake a culinary expedition. Now, this wasn’t just any journey. This was the quest for the perfect Cheese Ball. The ingredients for this gastronomic odyssey included the usual suspects: **16 oz. of cream cheese**, softened and ready to mingle, **1 1/2 lb. of Cheddar cheese**, grated and feeling quite shredded about it, **1 tsp. of lemon juice**, a splash of zest to keep things interesting, **2 tsp. of grated onion**, because who doesn’t like a good cry, and a medley of spices — **1 tsp. of dry mustard**, **1 tsp. of soy sauce**, **1/2 tsp. of paprika**, and **1/2 tsp. of salt**. And let’s not forget the green garnish, **2 Tbsp. of parsley**.
The Beginning of the Stir
I rounded up all the ingredients and dumped them into a large bowl. The cream cheese, in its softened state, looked at the other ingredients with trepidation. The Cheddar cheese, shredded and feeling a bit vulnerable, tried to blend in. The lemon juice, feeling zesty, tried to lighten the mood, but the onion, still smarting from being grated, was having none of it. I started to mix them at low speed, trying to ease the tension. The cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, lemon juice, and onion began to dance together, followed by the dry mustard, soy sauce, paprika, and salt. They were all getting to know each other, becoming fast friends.
The Chilling Out Phase
Once they were well blended and the party in the bowl was in full swing, it was time to chill. I mean literally chill. The cheese ball mixture needed some time to firm up, to think about what it had become. So, I popped it into the fridge and waited. I’m not sure if it’s normal to feel a bond with a cheese ball, but let’s just say I was emotionally invested at this point.
The Shape Shifting Event
After a good chill, it was time for the cheese ball to take shape. It was a messy process, and the cheese ball, still a bit soft and squishy, resisted. But the thought of the final stage, the rolling in chopped pecans, gave it the courage to become a ball. As I rolled it in the pecans, it seemed to come alive, its cheesy heart beating with anticipation.
The Overnight Transformation
I wrapped the cheese ball in foil and put it back in the fridge for an overnight stay. It was like sending a kid off to sleepover camp. I tossed and turned all night, dreaming of cheese balls dancing in my head. The next morning, I unwrapped the cheese ball and there it was in all its glory — firm, round, and covered in pecans.
The Grand Finale
As I sliced into the cheese ball, I realized this wasn’t just a cooking experience. It was a journey of transformation, of friendship, of blending flavors, and of patience. The cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, lemon juice, onion, dry mustard, soy sauce, paprika, salt, and parsley had all come together to create something truly delicious. And in the end, isn’t that what cooking is all about?
So, if you ever find yourself wondering what to do on a boring afternoon, why not take a trip to your kitchen and embark on the great Cheese Ball escapade? Trust me, it’s a tale you’ll relish retelling!
