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This recipe provides a simple method for making a delicious cheese ball. It involves combining cream cheese, cheddar cheese, pear, scallion, salt, and pepper, shaping it into a ball, refrigerating it, and then coating it with pecans and scallions before serving.
This recipe provides a simple method for making a delicious cheese ball. It involves combining cream cheese, cheddar cheese, pear, scallion, salt, and pepper, shaping it into a ball, refrigerating it, and then coating it with pecans and scallions before serving.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 (8 ounce) package reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/4 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 medium firm ripe pear, finely chopped
- 1 scallion, white and green separated, finely chopped
- reynolds kitchens® quick cut™ plastic wrap
- 1/3 cup finely chopped toasted pecans
- Carbohydrate 0.6
- Cholesterol 15
- Fat 5.8
- Protein 2.9
- Sodium 130
- Calories 65 calories;
Step-by-step
- Stir cream cheese, Cheddar, pear, scallion white, salt, and pepper together in a medium bowl.
- Coat a large piece of plastic wrap with cooking spray. Scoop the cheese mixture onto it.
- Using the plastic wrap to help you, form the cheese mixture into a ball, then completely wrap in plastic.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 2 days.
- Just before serving, combine pecans and the reserved scallion greens in a shallow dish.
- Roll the cheese ball in the mixture, pressing to adhere.
A Simple Cheese Ball for Any Occasion
As a busy mom, I'm always looking for quick and easy appetizers that impress without requiring hours in the kitchen. This cheese ball recipe is my go-to for parties, potlucks, or even a simple weeknight snack. It's incredibly versatile – you can easily adapt it to your own taste preferences by adding different nuts, herbs, or spices. The combination of creamy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and sweet pear is a delightful balance of flavors that always gets rave reviews.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. There's no complicated technique involved, just a little mixing, shaping, and chilling. The prep time is minimal, and the chilling period gives you time to focus on other tasks. I often make this cheese ball a day ahead, which makes entertaining so much easier. Just imagine – guests arrive, you pull out this elegant little cheese ball, and everyone instantly feels impressed. It’s the perfect conversation starter, and a delightful way to begin a meal.
The best part? This cheese ball isn't just delicious, it's also relatively healthy compared to other appetizer options. It's a great way to incorporate some fruit and vegetables into your snacking habits, and the pecans provide a healthy dose of fats and nutrients. I've found that using reduced-fat cream cheese helps to keep the calorie count down without compromising on taste. Overall, this cheese ball is a fantastic all-around appetizer – delicious, easy to make, versatile, and relatively healthy. It’s a recipe I'll be making again and again!
I love to experiment with different variations of this cheese ball. Sometimes I add a little bit of honey for extra sweetness, or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick. I’ve also tried using different types of nuts and seeds – walnuts, almonds, and sunflower seeds all work wonderfully. The possibilities are endless! This cheese ball is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to get creative and tailor it to your preferences. No matter how you make it, this cheese ball is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Beyond its deliciousness and ease of preparation, this recipe holds a special place in my heart. It reminds me of simpler times, of cozy gatherings with family and friends, where the focus is on connection and good food. It’s a recipe that brings people together, sparking conversation and creating lasting memories. And that, to me, is more valuable than any fancy, complicated dish.
So, if you're looking for a simple yet elegant appetizer that's sure to be a hit, I highly recommend giving this cheese ball a try. It’s a recipe that will become a staple in your own culinary repertoire, just as it has in mine. Enjoy!
