Description
Discover how to make a mouthwatering Sweet and Spicy Pepper Jelly Cheeseball that’s perfect for entertaining. Impress your guests with this easy-to-follow recipe!
Ingredients
- 8 oz (227 g) full-fat cream cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) red pepper jelly
- 1/2 tsp (3 ml) ground mustard
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp (3 ml) cayenne
- 1 tsp (5 ml) dried chopped onions
- 1/2 tsp (3 ml) garlic powder
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) unsalted, slivered almonds
Instructions
- Set your oven to preheat at 350°F. Cover a baking tray with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup, or use it as it is.
- Arrange the almonds in a single layer on the tray. Toast them in the oven for about 7 to 8 minutes, stirring halfway through. Once they are golden and fragrant, they’re ready. If they look too pale, continue baking, stirring every couple of minutes, until done. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Take the almonds out of the oven and allow them to cool completely. You can either leave them as they are or chop them roughly with a knife or chopper. If not using them immediately, store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese and the rest of the ingredients except for the almonds. Mix thoroughly using a wooden spoon or a firm spatula. Set this mixture aside.
- Spread the cooled almonds on a plate. Moisten or lightly oil your hands, then shape the cheese mixture into a ball. It will be a bit sticky, so don’t worry if it’s not perfectly round yet. Roll the cheese ball over the almonds on the plate until it is evenly coated and shaped nicely. You can also press almonds onto it to help with coverage.
- After covering the cheese ball with almonds, wrap it in plastic wrap, reshaping it into a ball if necessary. Refrigerate it for at least an hour or overnight. Alternatively, you can place the cheese ball in a bowl or on a plate, cover it, and chill it in the refrigerator.
- When ready to serve, take the cheese ball out of the wrap and place it on a serving plate with your choice of crackers, vegetables, or chips.
Notes
- Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature for smoother blending with cheddar and spicesnStir red pepper jelly thoroughly to ensure even distribution in the cheese mixturenToast almonds carefully, watching closely to prevent burning