Are you looking for a simple yet impressive appetizer that's guaranteed to wow your guests? Look no further! This blue cheese ball recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and even less effort. It's the perfect addition to your next gathering, offering a delightful blend of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more. This recipe is perfect for those searching for quick dinner ideas or easy recipes for a healthy meal, but it's also impressive enough for a more formal occasion.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh chives, for garnish
- Optional: Crackers, celery sticks, or apple slices for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Combining the Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and crumbled blue cheese. Make sure the cream cheese is truly soft; this will make the mixing process much smoother.
Step 2: Adding the Flavor
Add the milk (or cream), mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Incorporating the Nuts
Gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans. Don't overmix; you want to retain some texture in the nuts.
Step 4: Shaping the Ball
Transfer the mixture to a sheet of plastic wrap. Shape it into a ball, using the plastic wrap to help you mold it into a nice, even shape. Twist the ends of the plastic wrap to tightly seal the cheese ball.
Step 5: Chilling the Ball
Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the ball to firm up nicely.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once chilled, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Roll it in the chopped fresh chives, ensuring it's fully coated. Serve immediately with your favorite crackers, celery sticks, or apple slices.
Tips for the Best Blue Cheese Ball:
- Soften the cream cheese properly: This is key for a smooth and creamy texture. You can soften the cream cheese by leaving it at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or by microwaving it in short bursts.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can make the blue cheese ball tough. Gently fold in the ingredients to maintain a desirable texture.
- Chill thoroughly: Chilling allows the flavors to develop and the ball to firm up, making it easier to serve.
- Get creative with garnishes: Experiment with different herbs, nuts, or spices to customize your blue cheese ball.
Variations:
- Spicy Blue Cheese Ball: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Cranberry Blue Cheese Ball: Fold in 1/4 cup of dried cranberries for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Everything Bagel Blue Cheese Ball: Roll the chilled ball in everything bagel seasoning for a savory and crunchy alternative.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on serving size and specific ingredients used. For a general estimate, expect approximately 150-200 calories, 10-15g of fat, and 5-7g of protein per serving. It's recommended to use a nutritional calculator for a more precise analysis based on your specific ingredients and serving size.
This delicious and easy blue cheese ball recipe is perfect for any occasion. It's a surefire way to impress your friends and family with minimal effort, making it a fantastic addition to your collection of homemade cooking recipes and best recipes for delicious dishes. Enjoy!