Cheese Ball

This Cheese Ball is a crowd-pleaser! Creamy, savory, and perfect for any gathering, it's a delightful appetizer everyone will love.

Prep Time15

Total Time2 15

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Cheese, Easy, Party

Servings: 8 servings

4 oz goat cheese (or 2 oz each goat cheese and blue cheese), at room temperature
3 oz cream cheese at room temperature
5 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
½ teaspoon hot sauce
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup chopped dates
3 tablespoons finely chopped scallions (white and green parts, from 2 to 3 scallions)
1 cup salt-and-butter roasted pecans chopped (see recipe below) or store-bought salted pecans
1 tablespoon finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
2 cups pecan halves for coating
2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
½ teaspoon salt to season the pecan coating

Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for easier blending and a smoother texture.
In a mixing bowl, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, and softened unsalted butter. Mix until creamy and well-combined using a rubber spatula.
Stir in the hot sauce, salt, chopped dates, and finely chopped scallions until evenly distributed.
Using plastic wrap, shape the cheese mixture into a ball and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
In a separate bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, pecan halves, and salt. Toss until the pecans are well coated.
Once chilled, unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in the pecan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with chopped flat-leaf parsley. Serve with assorted crackers, vegetable sticks, or fresh fruit.

Make the cheese ball up to a week in advance and store it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.
Experiment with different cheese combinations for unique flavors.
Let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving for a softer texture.