Savory Port Wine Cheese Ball Delight
This Savory Port Wine Cheese Ball Delight is a decadent and rich spread that perfectly blends the robust flavors of cheddar and cream cheese with the sweetness of port wine. After numerous attempts to replicate the store-bought version, I finally crafted this luxurious recipe that has quickly become a favorite among my colleagues. With a delightful crunch from the pecans and a creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with crackers, this cheese ball is ideal for parties, gatherings, or simply indulging at home. Make it ahead of time and let the flavors meld for an even more delicious experience. Enjoy this crowd-pleaser that everyone will rave about!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Port Wine
1/4-1/2 cup (None)
Butter
1/4 cup (At room temperature)
Cheddar Cheese
16 ounces (Grated)
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (Softened)
Pecans
1 cup (Chopped)
Instructions
1
Start by grating the cheddar cheese and set aside 1 cup of chopped pecans for rolling later.
2
In a food processor, combine the grated cheddar cheese and cream cheese. Pulse on and off until the two cheeses are just mixed together. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl.
3
Next, clean the food processor bowl and add the room temperature butter. Process until it becomes smooth and creamy.
4
While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the port wine, a little at a time, ensuring it mixes well with the butter. Continue mixing until fully combined and smooth.
5
Pour the port wine-butter mixture into the cheese mixture. Using a spoon or spatula, gently fold the two mixtures together until well combined.
6
Shape the combined cheese mixture into a ball with your hands. Roll the cheese ball in the chopped pecans until fully coated.
7
Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese ball to firm up.
8
Serve chilled with an assortment of crackers for dipping. Enjoy your homemade cheesy delight!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Port Wine Cheese Ball Delight?
It is a decadent and rich cheese spread that blends cheddar and cream cheese with the sweetness of port wine, coated in pecans.
How much port wine is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for between 1/4 cup and 1/2 cup of port wine.
What kind of cheese is used in this cheese ball?
This recipe uses 16 ounces of grated cheddar cheese and 8 ounces of softened cream cheese.
Does the cheddar cheese need to be prepared in a specific way?
Yes, the 16 ounces of cheddar cheese should be grated before mixing.
How much butter is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of butter at room temperature.
What is the outer coating of the cheese ball made of?
The cheese ball is rolled in 1 cup of chopped pecans for a crunchy exterior.
How do I mix the cheddar and cream cheese?
Combine the grated cheddar and cream cheese in a food processor and pulse until they are just mixed together.
When should I add the port wine?
Slowly drizzle the port wine into the food processor while mixing it with the room temperature butter.
How do I combine the wine-butter mixture with the cheese?
Pour the port wine-butter mixture into the cheese mixture and gently fold them together using a spoon or spatula.
Should I use a food processor for the butter?
Yes, process the room temperature butter until it becomes smooth and creamy before adding the wine.
How do I shape the cheese ball?
Shape the combined mixture into a ball using your hands before rolling it in the pecans.
How long does the cheese ball need to refrigerate?
The cheese ball should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and the structure to firm up.
What is the best way to serve this cheese ball?
Serve it chilled with an assortment of crackers for dipping.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, making it ahead of time is recommended so the flavors have more time to meld together.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Absolutely, it is described as a crowd-pleaser and is ideal for gatherings or holiday parties.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
The recipe contains 5 main ingredients: port wine, butter, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and pecans.
How do I prepare the pecans?
The 1 cup of pecans should be chopped before being used to coat the cheese ball.
Should the cream cheese be cold?
No, the cream cheese should be softened to ensure it blends properly with the cheddar cheese.
What is the texture of the cheese ball?
It has a creamy interior texture with a crunchy pecan crust.
Can I use a spoon to mix the wine into the butter?
The instructions recommend using a food processor to drizzle the wine into the butter for a smooth consistency.
How should the cheese ball be stored before serving?
Wrap it in plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator.
Is this a savory or sweet appetizer?
It is a savory cheese ball, though the port wine adds a hint of sweetness.
Why did the author create this recipe?
The author created it to replicate a luxurious store-bought port wine cheese ball.
Can I substitute the pecans?
While pecans provide the traditional flavor and crunch, you could use other nuts, though it will change the original recipe.
How do I ensure the butter is smooth?
Make sure the butter is at room temperature before processing it in the food processor.
What should I do after rolling the ball in pecans?
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and chill it for at least 2 hours.
Does this recipe include any fiber or sugar?
The nutritional data for fiber, sugar, and calories is not specified in the provided recipe details.
What is the preparation for the port wine?
No specific preparation is needed for the port wine; it is drizzled directly into the butter.
How many servings does this make?
The serving count is not specified, but it makes one large cheese ball suitable for a group.
Can I skip the refrigeration step?
It is not recommended to skip refrigeration as it is necessary for the ball to firm up and for the flavors to develop.