Description
This Parmesan Peppercorn Cheese Ball is a savory, creamy appetizer that’s perfect for parties, holidays, or game day! Made with a blend of sharp Parmesan cheese, tangy cream cheese, and zesty black pepper, this cheese ball is a flavor-packed treat. Rolled in a mix of more cracked pepper and fresh herbs, it’s a simple yet impressive dish that’s sure to be a hit. Serve with crackers, veggies, or sliced baguette for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 2 tsp cracked black pepper (plus extra for rolling)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional, for rolling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Ball Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Pepper: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, chives, and cracked black pepper until evenly distributed.
- Form the Cheese Ball: Using your hands, shape the mixture into a ball. If the mixture is too sticky, you can refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to firm it up before shaping.
- Roll in Coatings: On a large plate, spread the additional cracked black pepper. Roll the cheese ball in the pepper, pressing lightly so it sticks. If you’re using pecans, roll the cheese ball in chopped pecans as well for an extra crunch and flavor. You can also sprinkle a little extra chopped parsley and chives for garnish.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and to help the ball firm up.
- Serve: Before serving, bring the cheese ball to room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Serve with crackers, fresh vegetable slices, or crusty bread.
Notes
- For a spicier version, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
- The cheese ball can be made a day ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- You can substitute the pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (of 12)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 30mg