Elevate your appetizer game with our Scrumptious Port Wine Cheese Ball, a delightful blend of creamy textures and bold flavors that will leave your guests craving more! This American classic is not just a feast for the taste buds; it's also a stunning centerpiece for any gathering. With a luscious port wine reduction drizzled on top, this cheese ball promises to impress even the most discerning palates. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s the perfect dish for entertaining or a cozy night in. Dive into this recipe and discover how to create a show-stopping appetizer that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup port wine
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup port wine reduction for drizzling
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup of port wine, 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup of chopped green onions, and 1/4 cup of port wine reduction for drizzling.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Use a hand mixer or spatula to blend them until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add the 1/4 cup of port wine to the cheese mixture. Stir well to incorporate the wine evenly into the cheese blend, which will add a rich flavor to your cheese ball.
- Next, fold in the chopped walnuts and chopped green onions. Make sure to mix thoroughly so that the nuts and onions are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
- Once everything is well combined, use your hands to form the mixture into a ball shape. If the mixture is too sticky, you can lightly dampen your hands with water to make shaping easier.
- Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow it to firm up and the flavors to meld together.
- While the cheese ball is chilling, prepare the port wine reduction. In a small saucepan over medium heat, pour in 1/2 cup of port wine. Bring it to a simmer and let it reduce for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Once the port wine has reduced, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. This reduction will be used as a drizzle over the cheese ball.
- After the cheese ball has chilled and firmed up, remove it from the refrigerator. Unwrap it from the plastic wrap and place it on a serving platter.
- Drizzle the cooled port wine reduction over the cheese ball just before serving. This adds a beautiful presentation and enhances the flavor.
- Serve the scrumptious port wine cheese ball with an assortment of crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables for dipping. Enjoy your delicious appetizer!
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your cheese ball relies heavily on the quality of your cheeses and port wine. Opt for a sharp cheddar and a good-quality port wine for the best results.
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is properly softened before mixing. This will make it easier to blend with the other ingredients and achieve a smooth texture.
- Chill for Best Results: Don’t skip the chilling step! Refrigerating the cheese ball for at least 20 minutes allows it to firm up and helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Customize Your Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with the nuts and herbs. Pecans or almonds can be great substitutes for walnuts, and fresh herbs like dill or parsley can add an extra layer of flavor.
- Presentation Matters: When serving, drizzle the port wine reduction just before presenting the cheese ball. This not only enhances the flavor but also makes for a stunning visual appeal.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve your cheese ball with a variety of dippers like assorted crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh veggies. This will provide a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the cheese ball.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cheese ball a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the port wine reduction right before serving for the best taste and presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg
