Apple Pecan Cheeseball

U.S. Apple Export Council
  • 22 cheeseballs
  • Total
    10 Minutes

Ingredients

    • ½ cup
      (125 ml) chopped U.S. Gala or Granny Smith Apple (about ½ apple)
    • ½
      lemon, juiced and divided
    • 8 oz
      (250 g) brick-style cream cheese, cubed
    • 1 cup
      (250 ml) grated extra old Cheddar cheese
    • 1 tbsp
      (15 ml) apple jelly or apple butter
    • 1 tsp
      (5 ml) chopped fresh rosemary or thyme leaves
    • 1 cup
      (250 ml) chopped toasted pecans (approx.)
    • 4 to 5
      additional U.S. Gala or Granny Smith apples, sliced
    • Crackers or toasts

Instructions

    1. Place chopped apple and ½ tsp (2 mL) lemon juice in food processor; pulse until finely chopped. Add cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, apple jelly and rosemary; pulse until uniformly combined.

    2. Scrape out onto a large piece of plastic wrap; roughly form into a ball and chill for at least 2 hours or until almost firm.  Make mini cheese balls

    3. Spread pecans in a shallow bowl; roll mini cheese balls in nuts, pressing into all sides until well coated. Chill until ready to serve (or for up to 4 days).

    4. Meanwhile, combine any remaining lemon juice with water in a shallow bowl. Dip sliced apples in lemon water (to keep them from browning); pat dry and place around cheese ball along with crackers to serve.

    5. Tips: To toast pecans, spread on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 8 minutes or until fragrant. Walnuts can be used instead if preferred. Make mini cheese balls: Once the mixture is firm enough to shape, form 1 tbsp (15 mL) portions into balls. Coat balls in pecans. Insert a pretzel stick for a ‘stem’ if desired and chill until ready to serve. Makes 22 to 24 balls.

    6. Variation: For a sweeter version replace the apple jelly with 1 tbsp (15 mL) maple syrup and the herbs with 1 tsp (5 mL) ground cinnamon. Just before serving, drizzle cheese ball with additional maple syrup.