Cheeseball: The Ultimate Cheeseball with Red Pepper Jelly and Almonds Recipe
Introduction to Cheeseball
Cheeseballs are a delightful appetizer that never fails to impress at gatherings and celebrations. This particular cheeseball recipe, featuring a sweet and spicy red pepper jelly and crunchy almonds, is one that combines rich flavors and textures, making it a favorite among friends and family. Perfect for serving with crackers or fresh vegetables, this cheeseball is not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser that will elevate your snack table.
A Personal Story Behind My Cheeseball Journey
I remember the first time I made a cheeseball for a family gathering. It was a simple recipe, but the joy it brought to my loved ones was unforgettable. As we sat around the table, sharing stories and laughter, that cheeseball became the highlight of the evening. Since then, I’ve experimented with various ingredients, but this combination of cream cheese, cheddar, red pepper jelly, and almonds has stolen my heart. It’s a recipe that brings back fond memories and creates new ones every time I make it.
What Makes This Cheeseball Recipe Special?
What sets this cheeseball apart is its unique fusion of flavors and textures. The creamy, tangy base made from cream cheese and cheddar cheese is perfectly complemented by the sweet and spicy red pepper jelly. The sliced almonds add a satisfying crunch that elevates each bite. This combination not only makes the cheeseball visually appealing but also incredibly delicious. Plus, it’s versatile; you can customize the coating with different nuts or herbs to suit your taste.
The Full Cheeseball Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup red pepper jelly
- 1 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature; this makes mixing much easier.
- Shape the mixture into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- In a separate bowl, place the red pepper jelly. Once the cheese ball is chilled, roll it in the red pepper jelly until it is evenly coated.
- Spread the sliced almonds on a plate. Roll the jelly-coated cheese ball in the almonds, pressing gently to ensure they adhere nicely.
- Serve the cheeseball with your choice of crackers or sliced vegetables for a delightful snack. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Cheeseball
This cheeseball pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Consider serving it with an assortment of crackers, fresh vegetable sticks, or even sliced baguette. For a twist, you can customize the coating by using chopped walnuts, pecans, or even fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor and freshness. You can also try different flavored jellies such as apricot or fig for a unique taste.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheeseball
Can I make this cheeseball in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the cheeseball a day ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
How long can I keep the cheeseball in the fridge?
The cheeseball can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure it’s well wrapped to prevent it from drying out.
Can I freeze the cheeseball?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the uncoated cheeseball for up to a month. Just wrap it tightly and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
What should I serve with the cheeseball?
Serve it with a variety of crackers, fresh vegetables, or even pretzel crisps for a fun and delicious pairing.
Recipe Stats
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Calories per Serving: 200
Servings: 10
Cheeseball with Red Pepper Jelly and Almonds
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.25 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup red pepper jelly
- 1 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- In a separate bowl, place the red pepper jelly. Roll the chilled cheese ball in the red pepper jelly until coated evenly.
- Spread the sliced almonds on a plate. Roll the jelly-coated cheese ball in the almonds, pressing gently to adhere.
- Serve the cheeseball with crackers or sliced vegetables.