Champagne Cheese Ball
I'm not one to go too crazy on New Years Eve, but there's a few things I know for sure you can count on me to be doing. 1. Staying in with friends, preferably playing board games. 2. Eating delicious appies and 3. Drinking champagne with my pinkie out.
Well guys, this year, I thought of a way to kill two birds with one stone on points #2 and #3. Because what pairs well with champagne? Cheese! And more champagne! Enter, a champagne cheese ball.
You're probably thinking, "champagne and cheese? Mixed together? She must be drunk already!" Don't knock it before you try it. It's way more delicious than you could even imagine. Trust me!
When was the last time you heard of someone bringing a cheese ball to a party? If you're a millennial like me, probably about 15 years ago or never. They're retro and a bit outdated in the modern appetizer world we now live in. But who the heck said cheese balls went out of style? What's not to like about a ball of cheese? Well, my friends, this New Years Eve, I'm going to party like it's 1999 and bring back the cheese ball. And you're going to thank me for it.
This cheese ball comes rolled up with some serious flavor. Loads of sharp cheddar cheese becomes creamier with cream cheese and butter. Yes, butter in this luxurious cheese ball. Because butter makes everything better. And it's New Years Eve after all. Indulge!
But where this cheese ball gets the real flavor is in the nut mixture. Because every ball needs some delicious, seasoned nuts.
I couldn't resist!!
OK, but actually. The walnuts get tossed in dill, curry powder, paprika chili powder and fresh parsley. This crazy awesome combination is going to have guests raising their eyebrows in the best possible way and have them coming back for more. It won't be long until this ball is devoured. Just add more bubbly and it's a true party.
The beauty of cheese balls is you can get creative with any flavor combinations you so please. Try it with goat cheese and rosemary, or add pepper jack and some cayenne for a spicy kick. You really can't go wrong!
Cheers!
Champagne Cheese Ball
Ingredients
2 pounds sharp cheddar, grated
2 tablespoons salted butter at room temperature
6 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup champagne
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspooon salt
1 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dillweed
1 teaspoon curry powder
Directions
Combine cheese, butter and cream cheese in a large bowl. Add champagne slowly, stirring constantly. Add onion, garlic, worcestershire sauce and salt. Cover mixture and chill for one hour. Combine walnuts with parsley, paprika, chili powder, dillweed and curry powder.
Form cheese into ball or a log. Spread topping onto wax paper and roll the cheese ball over the topping until completely coated. Wrap the ball in a clean sheet of wax paper and chill for another hour. Serve with crackers and more bubbly.
