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Creamy Irish Cheddar Cheese Ball

creamy Irish cheddar cheese ball - featured image

A quick and easy creamy Irish cheddar cheese ball perfect for entertaining, combining sharp Irish cheddar with cream cheese, herbs, and a crunchy nut coating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) sharp Irish cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (plus extra for rolling garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Shred the Irish cheddar cheese using a fine grater.
  2. Soften the cream cheese and butter by letting them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
  3. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth using an electric mixer or a sturdy spoon.
  4. Add garlic powder, chopped chives, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and optional Dijon mustard. Mix until fully incorporated.
  5. Gently fold the shredded Irish cheddar into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
  6. Lay out plastic wrap or parchment paper, scoop the mixture onto it, and shape into a tight ball about 6 inches in diameter. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  7. While chilling, chop pecans or walnuts finely and set aside.
  8. Once firm, unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in the chopped nuts, pressing gently to adhere. Sprinkle extra chopped chives over the outside.
  9. Place the coated cheese ball back in the fridge for 30 minutes to set the coating and flavors (optional but recommended).
  10. Serve on a platter with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh veggies for dipping.

Notes

Do not overmix the cheddar into the cream cheese to avoid a dense texture. Use freshly shredded cheese for best creaminess. Chill the cheese ball thoroughly to firm up texture and meld flavors. Optional Dijon mustard adds a gentle zing. Can substitute nuts for seeds or pretzels for nut-free version.

Nutrition

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