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Ina Garten Cheese Ball Recipe

Ina Garten Cheese Ball Recipe

Welcome to my friendly food blog. Today we make a famous snack. It is the Ina Garten Cheese Ball Recipe. This snack is perfect for parties.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 240 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 16 ounces cream cheese
  • 2 cups sharp white cheddar
  • 3 green onions
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions
 

Soften the Cheese

  • Take the cream cheese out. Let it sit on the counter. It must be very soft. This makes mixing much easier.

Mix the Base

  • Put cream cheese in the bowl. Use your electric hand mixer. Beat it until it is fluffy. This takes two minutes.

Add the Cheddar

  • Add the grated white cheddar. Mix it on a low speed. Make sure it is even. Every bite needs cheddar.

Prep the Herbs

  • Wash your green onions well. Slice them into tiny rounds. Chop the fresh dill leaves. Do not use the stems.

Add the Flavors

  • Put the onions in the bowl. Add the chopped green dill. Pour in the fresh lemon juice. Add salt and pepper.

Final Stir

  • Use your rubber spatula now. Fold the herbs into cheese. Do not over mix it. Keep the colors bright.

Shape the Ball

  • Lay out a piece of wrap. Scoop the cheese onto it. Pull the wrap up tight. Form a round ball shape.

Chill the Mix

  • Put the ball in the fridge. Let it sit for hours. This makes the ball firm. It helps the flavors blend.

Toast the Pecans

  • Put pecans in a dry pan. Heat them on the stove. Stir them until they smell nutty. Let them cool down.

Roll and Finish

  • Take the ball out of wrap. Roll it in the pecans. Press the nuts into cheese. Cover every single spot.

Notes

➔ Always use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth mix.
➔ Grate your own cheddar cheese for the best possible texture.
➔ Toast the pecans to get a much deeper nutty flavor.
➔ Use fresh herbs only to keep the taste very bright.
➔ Make the cheese ball one day before your big party.
➔ Serve with very sturdy crackers so they do not break.
➔ Use a gentle touch when rolling the ball in nuts.
➔ Add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
➔ Keep the ball cold until you are ready to eat.
➔ Choose high quality cheese for the very best tasting results.
Keyword Ina Garten Cheese Ball Recipe