Pickle Fix Holiday Cheese Ball (Printable Version)

Tangy cheese ball, bursting with dill pickles, fresh herbs, and cheddar—ideal for festive sharing.

# The Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Cheese Base

01 - 16 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
03 - 1/2 cup sour cream

→ Flavor Mix-Ins

04 - 3/4 cup dill pickles, finely chopped
05 - 1/4 cup green onions, finely sliced
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
07 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
08 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
10 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Coating

11 - 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
12 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
13 - 2 tablespoons dill pickles, finely chopped

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, and sour cream in a large mixing bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or sturdy spatula.
02 - Gently fold in the finely chopped dill pickles, green onions, fresh dill, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Ensure the mixture is evenly blended.
03 - Transfer the blended mixture onto a large sheet of plastic wrap. Use the wrap to shape the mixture into a compact ball.
04 - Refrigerate the wrapped cheese ball for a minimum of 1 hour, or up to 24 hours, to allow the mixture to firm up.
05 - In a shallow dish, mix together the chopped pecans, fresh parsley, and additional chopped dill pickles for the exterior coating.
06 - Remove the chilled cheese ball from the plastic wrap. Roll it in the prepared coating mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even layer on all sides.
07 - Transfer the finished cheese ball to a serving platter and present it with crackers, pretzels, or raw vegetables.

# Additional Notes:

01 - For a nut-free variation, omit pecans and use extra herbs or crushed pretzels as a coating alternative.
02 - Chives or other soft herbs may be substituted for dill to adjust flavors.
03 - For gluten-free needs, serve with certified gluten-free crackers.
04 - Chopped pickled jalapeños may be added for a spicy version.

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