| For 16 People | |
|---|---|
| For the Cheese Ball | |
| 1 cup | extra sharp white cheddar cheese (freshly shredded) |
| 1 cup | sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded) |
| 8 ounces | cream cheese, softened |
| 1/4 cup | mayonnaise |
| 1/4 tsp | garlic powder |
| 1/4 tsp | cayenne pepper (ground) |
| 1/4 tsp | onion powder |
| 1/4 tsp | salt |
| 1/4 tsp | black pepper (ground) |
| 1/4 cup | jalapeños |
| 2 tbsp | minced cilantro |
| For the Toppings | |
| 1 1/2 cups | California Walnut "Chorizo" Crumble |
| 1/4 cup | diced pimentos (drained) |
Description
This spicy walnut cheese ball is a perfect appetizer or bar snack to pair with fruit, vegetables, crackers, or crostini. Combine three different cheeses with a variety of spices and top it all off with a California walnut chorizo crumble.
Take the cream cheese out of the fridge to soften about 15-20 minutes before making the cheese ball. Put all the ingredients for the cheese ball in a large bowl and mix by hand or with stand mixer.
When the ingredients are well mixed, turn out the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Pull up the edges of the plastic wrap up and twist so that all of the cheese is inside and begins to form a ball. Use a combo of twisting the plastic wrap and your hands to form the cheese into a ball. When the ball becomes the shape you like, place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving so that it becomes firm.
Mix the walnut crumble and cilantro in a bowl. When mixed, spread them out in a solid layer on a piece wax paper. Remove chilled cheese ball from fridge. Unwrap the plastic wrap from the cheese ball and roll ball over the toppings mix. You might also have to pull toppings up onto the sides or top and press in a bit to get the coverage you like.
Serve with crackers, vegetables, crostini, or fruit.