The Cheesy Nut Ball
Cheesy Nut Ball Recipe - Delicious Appetizer Made with Cream Cheese and Nuts
Introduction
The Cheesy Nut Ball is a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that is perfect for any gathering or party. This recipe combines the creamy texture of goat cheese with the crunch of walnuts and the tangy flavor of sundried tomatoes.
History
The Cheesy Nut Ball is a modern twist on the classic cheese ball appetizer. Cheese balls have been a popular party food for decades, with various recipes and variations being passed down through generations. This particular recipe adds a unique flavor profile with the addition of sundried tomatoes and walnuts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of walnuts
- 4 oz (113 g) of oil-packed sundried tomatoes
- 0.25 tsp of kosher salt
- 1 (14 oz (397 g)) log of goat cheese
How to prepare
- Pulse the walnuts in a small food processor until they are chopped. Pour them into a shallow bowl and set aside.
- Pulse the tomatoes and salt in the food processor until a smooth paste is formed.
- Shape the goat cheese log into a ball using your hands, then spread the sundried tomato paste onto the ball until it is fully covered. Roll the ball in the chopped walnuts until it is fully coated.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until needed. The ball can be kept chilled for up to a week.
- Source: iVillage.
Variations
- Try using different types of nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for a different flavor and texture.
- Add fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, to the goat cheese mixture for added freshness.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to pulse the walnuts in a food processor until they are finely chopped, but be careful not to over-process them into a paste.
- When shaping the goat cheese into a ball, wetting your hands slightly can help prevent the cheese from sticking.
- Refrigerating the cheese ball before serving can help it firm up and hold its shape better.
Serving Suggestions
Serve The Cheesy Nut Ball with crackers, sliced baguette, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
Cooking Techniques
Pulsing the walnuts and tomatoes in a food processor helps to create a smooth paste and evenly coat the goat cheese ball.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have goat cheese, you can use cream cheese or feta cheese as a substitute.
Make Ahead Tips
The Cheesy Nut Ball can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Serve The Cheesy Nut Ball on a decorative platter garnished with fresh herbs or additional chopped nuts for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair The Cheesy Nut Ball with a crisp white wine or a light beer for a delicious combination.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers of The Cheesy Nut Ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, allow the cheese ball to come to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of The Cheesy Nut Ball contains approximately 120 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of The Cheesy Nut Ball contains approximately 3 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of The Cheesy Nut Ball contains approximately 10 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of The Cheesy Nut Ball contains approximately 6 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
The Cheesy Nut Ball is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
Alergens
This recipe contains nuts and dairy.
Summary
The Cheesy Nut Ball is a flavorful and satisfying appetizer that is relatively low in carbohydrates and calories, making it a great option for those looking to enjoy a tasty treat without overindulging.
Summary
The Cheesy Nut Ball is a simple yet elegant appetizer that is sure to impress your guests. With its creamy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts, and tangy sundried tomatoes, this recipe is a perfect addition to any party or gathering.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a hand-written note tucked away in an old cookbook that I had inherited from my mother. The recipe was for a dish called The Cheesy Nut Ball, and it called for just a few ingredients: cream cheese, cheddar cheese, chopped nuts, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
I had never heard of The Cheesy Nut Ball before, but something about it intrigued me. I had always loved experimenting in the kitchen, and this recipe seemed like the perfect opportunity to try something new. So, I gathered the ingredients and set to work.
As I mixed the cream cheese and cheddar cheese together, I couldn't help but think about where this recipe had come from. Had my mother made it? Or perhaps it was passed down from my grandmother? I may never know the true origin of The Cheesy Nut Ball, but one thing was for certain: it was delicious.
After rolling the mixture into a ball and rolling it in the chopped nuts, I popped it in the fridge to chill. When it was ready, I served it to my family as an appetizer before dinner. The Cheesy Nut Ball was a hit! The creamy texture of the cheese, the crunch of the nuts, and the hint of Worcestershire sauce all came together in perfect harmony.
From that day on, The Cheesy Nut Ball became a staple in our household. Whenever we had guests over, I would whip up a batch and serve it with crackers and veggies. Everyone always raved about how delicious it was, and I couldn't help but feel proud of my newfound recipe.
As the years went by, I continued to make The Cheesy Nut Ball for special occasions and family gatherings. Each time, it brought back memories of that first time I discovered the recipe and how it had become a beloved dish in our family.
One day, as I was making The Cheesy Nut Ball for a friend's party, she asked me where I had learned to make it. I told her about the old cookbook and how the recipe had captured my attention. She suggested that I start sharing the recipe with others, as she was sure they would love it just as much as we did.
And so, I began to share the recipe for The Cheesy Nut Ball with friends and neighbors. I taught them how to make it, sharing tips and tricks that I had picked up over the years. The dish quickly became a favorite among our community, and I was thrilled to see others enjoying it as much as we did.
As I shared the recipe with more and more people, I realized that The Cheesy Nut Ball had brought me closer to others in a way that I had never expected. It was more than just a delicious appetizer – it was a connection to my past, a way to share a piece of myself with those around me.
And so, The Cheesy Nut Ball became more than just a recipe to me. It was a reminder of my love for cooking, my passion for sharing good food with others, and the joy that comes from creating something special in the kitchen. It may have started as a simple recipe in an old cookbook, but it had become a cherished tradition in our family, one that I hoped to pass down to future generations.
In the end, The Cheesy Nut Ball was more than just a dish – it was a story, a memory, and a legacy that would live on for years to come. And I couldn't be happier to share it with those I love.