Hazelnut Olive Cheese Ball

Hazelnut Olive Cheese Ball Recipe | Delicious American Recipe

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

This Hazelnut Olive Cheese Ball is a delicious and savory appetizer that is perfect for any gathering or party. The combination of creamy cheese, salty olives, and crunchy hazelnuts creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to impress your guests.

History

The origins of the cheese ball can be traced back to the 1800s, when it was a popular dish at social gatherings and parties. The combination of cheese, herbs, and nuts was a simple yet delicious appetizer that quickly became a favorite among party-goers. Over the years, different variations of the cheese ball have emerged, with ingredients like olives and hot pepper sauce adding a unique twist to the classic recipe.

Ingredients

8 oz (227 g) of softened cream cheese
2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, at room temperature
0.5 cup of chopped stuffed green olives
2 tbsp of minced parsley
1 tbsp of minced green onion
0.25 tsp of hot pepper sauce
0.5 cup of finely chopped roasted Oregon hazelnuts

How to prepare

1. In a large bowl, combine the cream and sharp cheeses.
2. Stir in the parsley, green onion, and hot pepper sauce until well mixed.
3. Shape the mixture into a ball and roll it in the chopped hazelnuts.
4. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 24 hours.
5. Serve with crackers.

Variations

Substitute the cheddar cheese with gouda or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a pop of color and sweetness.
Roll the cheese ball in chopped pistachios or almonds instead of hazelnuts for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use softened cream cheese to ensure that it mixes well with the other ingredients.

- Allow the cheese ball to chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- For a spicier kick, add more hot pepper sauce to the mixture.

- Experiment with different types of cheese and nuts to create your own unique variation of the cheese ball.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Hazelnut Olive Cheese Ball with a variety of crackers, breadsticks, or vegetable sticks for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Make sure to mix the cream cheese and cheddar cheese well to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- Use a spatula or your hands to shape the cheese mixture into a ball before rolling it in the chopped hazelnuts.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have stuffed green olives, you can use regular green olives or black olives instead.

- Feel free to use any type of nut in place of hazelnuts, such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts.

Make Ahead Tips

This Hazelnut Olive Cheese Ball can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving. Simply cover it with plastic wrap and chill until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Place the cheese ball on a decorative serving platter and surround it with an assortment of crackers, breadsticks, and vegetable sticks for a beautiful and appetizing display.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Hazelnut Olive Cheese Ball with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, for a perfect appetizer pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of this Hazelnut Olive Cheese Ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, allow the cheese ball to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Hazelnut Olive Cheese Ball contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Hazelnut Olive Cheese Ball contains approximately 2 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this Hazelnut Olive Cheese Ball contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this Hazelnut Olive Cheese Ball contains approximately 7 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This Hazelnut Olive Cheese Ball is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese, cheddar cheese) and nuts (hazelnuts).

Summary

This Hazelnut Olive Cheese Ball is a rich and flavorful appetizer that is high in fat and protein. It is a good source of calcium and vitamins A and C, but may not be suitable for those with dairy or nut allergies.

Summary

This Hazelnut Olive Cheese Ball is a delicious and savory appetizer that is perfect for any gathering or party. With its creamy cheese, salty olives, and crunchy hazelnuts, it is sure to be a hit with your guests. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her cozy kitchen. Martha was an incredible cook, and I always looked forward to our cooking sessions together. On that particular day, she had a special treat in store for me – her famous Hazelnut Olive Cheese Ball.

As I watched Martha effortlessly mix together the cream cheese, olives, and hazelnuts, I was in awe of her skill and creativity in the kitchen. She told me that she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. The combination of creamy cheese, briny olives, and crunchy hazelnuts was simply divine, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

Martha patiently walked me through each step of the recipe, explaining the importance of letting the flavors meld together and the cheese ball chill in the refrigerator before serving. As we rolled the mixture into a ball and coated it with even more crushed hazelnuts, I could already imagine the delicious flavor and texture that awaited us.

When we finally sat down to enjoy the Hazelnut Olive Cheese Ball, it was even better than I had imagined. The creamy cheese blended perfectly with the salty olives and nutty hazelnuts, creating a rich and satisfying appetizer that was perfect for any occasion. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, and I was grateful to Martha for sharing it with me.

Over the years, I have made the Hazelnut Olive Cheese Ball countless times for family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday parties. Each time I prepare it, I think back to that sunny day in Martha's kitchen and how she inspired me to experiment with new flavors and ingredients. I have added my own twist to the recipe over the years, sometimes using different types of cheese or adding a touch of fresh herbs for extra flavor.

One of my favorite memories involving the Hazelnut Olive Cheese Ball was when I brought it to a neighborhood block party. As soon as I set it down on the table, it was like a magnet – everyone flocked to it, eager to scoop up a generous portion with crackers or bread. I could hear the delighted murmurs and exclamations of pleasure as people tasted the unique combination of flavors, and I knew that this recipe was a hit.

As I have grown older, I have come to appreciate the importance of passing down recipes and traditions to future generations. I have taught my own grandchildren how to make the Hazelnut Olive Cheese Ball, sharing with them the story of how I learned it from Martha all those years ago. I hope that they will continue to make it for their own families and friends, creating new memories and traditions along the way.

In the end, the Hazelnut Olive Cheese Ball is more than just a recipe – it is a symbol of friendship, creativity, and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones. I am grateful for the experiences and memories that this recipe has brought into my life, and I look forward to continuing to enjoy it for many years to come.