Tired of the same old appetizers? Ready to impress your guests with something both delicious and easy? Then look no further! This pimento cheese ball recipe is the perfect addition to your next gathering, offering a delightful blend of creamy cheese, spicy pimentos, and a hint of savory goodness. It's a crowd-pleaser that's surprisingly simple to make, proving that homemade cooking can be both quick and incredibly satisfying. This recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas, healthy meals (in moderation, of course!), and adds a touch of elegance to any occasion.
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for even the busiest weeknights.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 (4 ounce) can pimentos, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: Crackers, vegetables, or bread for serving
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cheese Ball Bliss
Follow these simple steps, and in minutes, you'll have a beautiful and tasty cheese ball ready to serve.
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Combine the Cheeses: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure the cream cheese is really soft for easy mixing. You can even microwave it for a few seconds to soften it more quickly.
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Add the Flavor Boosters: Stir in the mayonnaise, chopped pimentos, red onion, chives, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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Mix Thoroughly: Use a spoon or spatula to thoroughly combine all ingredients until a smooth and creamy mixture forms.
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Shape the Ball: Once everything is well mixed, transfer the cheese mixture to a piece of plastic wrap. Shape it into a ball, wrapping tightly in the plastic wrap. This helps maintain its shape and prevents it from drying out.
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Chill & Serve: Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the ball to firm up. Once chilled, you can serve it with your favorite crackers, vegetables, or bread.
Tips and Tricks for Cheese Ball Perfection
- Softened Cream Cheese is Key: Ensuring your cream cheese is properly softened is crucial for achieving a smooth and creamy texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can make your cheese ball tough. Mix until just combined.
- Get Creative with Garnishes: Add a sprinkle of paprika, chopped pecans, or even some finely chopped jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Make it Ahead: This cheese ball can be made a day or two in advance, making it ideal for party preparation.
Variations: Spice Things Up!
- Spicy Pimento Cheese Ball: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier kick.
- Bacon Pimento Cheese Ball: Incorporate 1/4 cup of crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky, savory twist.
- Herb-Infused Pimento Cheese Ball: Experiment with different herbs like dill, parsley, or thyme.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
This will vary depending on serving size and ingredients used. This is an estimate based on a serving of about 1/12th of the cheese ball.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: Approximately 12-15g
- Protein: Approximately 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-7g
This pimento cheese ball recipe is a fantastic example of how easy and delicious homemade cooking can be. It's a perfect addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and delicious dishes, guaranteed to impress your friends and family! Enjoy!