The Diamond's Cheese Ball

The Diamond's Cheese Ball Recipe with Cheddar, Cream Cheese, and Blue Cheese

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 10-12

Introduction

The Diamond's Cheese Ball is a classic appetizer that is perfect for any gathering or party. This creamy and flavorful cheese ball is sure to be a hit with your guests.

History

The Diamond's Cheese Ball has been a popular party dish for decades. It is believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-20th century and has since become a staple at holiday gatherings and cocktail parties.

Ingredients

2 cups grated cheddar cheese
16 oz (454 g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup crumbled blue cheese
0.5 cup finely chopped onion
2 tsp worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
chopped pecans

How to prepare

Combine the cheeses with the onion, Worcestershire sauce, and salt.
Mold the mixture into a ball, then roll it in the chopped pecans.

Variations

Add in some cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor.
Mix in some chopped dried fruit, such as cranberries or apricots, for a sweet and savory twist.
Roll the cheese ball in chopped herbs or spices for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing it with the other ingredients to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- For extra flavor, you can add in some chopped herbs or spices to the cheese mixture.

- To make the cheese ball easier to shape, you can chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling it into a ball.

Serving Suggestions

Serve The Diamond's Cheese Ball with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a perfect cheese ball is to mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure a smooth and creamy texture. Rolling the cheese ball in chopped nuts or herbs adds a nice crunch and flavor to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have blue cheese on hand, you can substitute it with another type of crumbled cheese, such as feta or goat cheese. You can also use different types of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for rolling the cheese ball.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare The Diamond's Cheese Ball ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Simply wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and chill until needed.

Presentation Ideas

To make the cheese ball more visually appealing, you can garnish it with fresh herbs, edible flowers, or additional chopped nuts before serving. Serve it on a decorative platter with an assortment of crackers and bread.

Pairing Recommendations

The Diamond's Cheese Ball pairs well with a variety of beverages, such as white wine, sparkling wine, or beer. It also goes well with fruit preserves or chutney for added flavor.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, let the cheese ball come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of The Diamond's Cheese Ball contains approximately 200 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie appetizer option.

Carbohydrates

The Diamond's Cheese Ball contains minimal carbohydrates, making it a great low-carb option for those watching their carb intake.

Fats

The cheese ball is rich in fats due to the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and blue cheese. However, these fats are mostly from dairy sources and can be part of a balanced diet in moderation.

Proteins

The cheese ball contains a moderate amount of protein from the cheese and cream cheese, making it a satisfying and filling appetizer.

Vitamins and minerals

The Diamond's Cheese Ball is not a significant source of essential vitamins and minerals, but it does provide some calcium from the cheese.

Alergens

The Diamond's Cheese Ball contains dairy (cheese and cream cheese) and nuts (pecans), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or nut allergies.

Summary

Overall, The Diamond's Cheese Ball is a rich and creamy appetizer that is best enjoyed in moderation due to its high fat content.

Summary

The Diamond's Cheese Ball is a classic and delicious appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture and rich flavor, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for The Diamond's Cheese Ball. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret for our weekly tea time. Margaret was known for her exquisite taste in cooking, and she always had a new recipe up her sleeve to share with me.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on our Earl Grey tea, Margaret suddenly exclaimed, "I have a new recipe to share with you today, my dear friend. It's called The Diamond's Cheese Ball, and it's absolutely divine." My curiosity was piqued, and I eagerly listened as Margaret began to recount the story behind this intriguing recipe.

She explained that The Diamond's Cheese Ball was a family recipe passed down from her grandmother, who had received it from a mysterious woman named Mrs. Diamond. Mrs. Diamond was known for her exquisite culinary skills and her secret recipes that she only shared with a select few. Margaret's grandmother had been fortunate enough to be one of those chosen few, and she had passed down the recipe to Margaret as a special gift.

Margaret's eyes sparkled with excitement as she described the ingredients and preparation method for The Diamond's Cheese Ball. It was a delightful combination of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and a blend of herbs and spices. The cheese ball was then rolled in crushed nuts and served with crisp crackers for a delicious appetizer that was sure to impress any guest.

I was captivated by Margaret's storytelling and couldn't wait to try out this recipe for myself. After our tea time was over, Margaret graciously wrote down the recipe for me on a piece of parchment paper, and I tucked it safely into my recipe box for safekeeping.

The next day, I decided to test out The Diamond's Cheese Ball recipe for a small gathering I was hosting at my own home. I gathered the ingredients and carefully followed Margaret's instructions, mixing and shaping the cheese ball with precision. As the cheese ball chilled in the refrigerator, the anticipation grew among my guests, who eagerly awaited the unveiling of this mysterious recipe.

When I finally presented The Diamond's Cheese Ball on a decorative platter, adorned with fresh herbs and crackers, the room fell silent in awe. The cheese ball was a work of art, its creamy texture and rich flavors enticing everyone to take a bite. As my guests savored the delicious morsel, their eyes widened in delight, and I knew that I had discovered a true gem of a recipe.

From that day on, The Diamond's Cheese Ball became a staple at all of my gatherings. Friends and family would clamor for the recipe, wanting to recreate the magic that was captured in each bite of this delectable appetizer. I proudly shared the recipe with anyone who asked, spreading the joy of Mrs. Diamond's secret creation far and wide.

As the years passed, The Diamond's Cheese Ball became more than just a recipe to me. It was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories and traditions that would last a lifetime. Every time I made the cheese ball, I would think of Margaret and her grandmother, of Mrs. Diamond and her culinary legacy, and I would feel a sense of gratitude for the friendships and connections that had been forged through a simple recipe.

And so, as I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to discover The Diamond's Cheese Ball, I am filled with gratitude for the countless recipes and stories that have enriched my life. Each one has its own unique history and flavor, its own special place in my heart. But none quite compare to the magic of that fateful day when Margaret shared with me the secret of Mrs. Diamond's cheese ball, a recipe that would forever hold a cherished spot in my culinary repertoire.