You walk in and first order of business is to get a beverage. Well, at least after giving a few hugs and hellos. With libation in hand, there is an internal force pulling you toward the array of tidbits waiting to be eaten. You’ve been anticipating it all day and planned ahead to make sure you had plenty of room to enjoy all the delights of the evening. Which one to start out with first? I don’t know about you, but I would head directly toward this brandied triple cheese ball.
Cheese is a champion of starting a party. It is universal in pairing with almost any beverage. Wine? Absolutely, hands down. Beer? Sure thing. Cocktail? Oh yes. What’s even better is when there is a little spirit added into cheese. The easiest way to accomplish that is to mix it in with some other tasty accents and roll it into a ball.
Brandied Triple Cheese Ball needs chilling time. The taste is quite different from when it is first mixed together to after being in the fridge for hours. Each component has its own strong quality, especially the blue cheese and brandy. Those are the most prominent flavors right after it is mixed. They mellow out and become balanced with cheddar, cream cheese, grated onion, sriracha, and pecans.
A note about the cheeses. I highly recommend grating the sharp cheddar instead of using pre-shredded. It does take a little more time however the flavor and texture will be much better. The blue cheese should be one that crumbles easily as opposed to creamier ones. You want to have the little chunks or crumbles of blue cheese to hold together. Get the cream cheese to room temperature before you get started so it will blend easier.
What is your favorite libation? And do you cook with it also? Mine is wine and I definitely cook and bake with it. Take a look at Peach Brandy Pound Cake and Ham Steaks with Madeira Cream Sauce for ones made with fortified wine. Also look below to find more libational recipes for a cheerful Sunday Supper virtual event hosted by Alice of A Mama, Baby and Shar-pei in the Kitchen and DB (aka Foodie Stuntman) of Crazy Foodie Stunts.
Brandied Triple Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
- 3 tablespoons brandy
- 1 tablespoon grated onion
- 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce
- 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 6 ounces crumbled blue cheese
- 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon chopped pecans divided
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- Crackers for serving
Instructions
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Place cream cheese, brandy, onion, and sriracha sauce in a food processor fitted with a knife blade. Process until smooth and combined.
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Transfer mixture to a large bowl. Add cheddar cheese, blue cheese, and 1 tablespoon pecans. Stir to combine and shape into a ball.
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Stir together remaining 1/2 cup pecans and parsley. Roll ball in pecans and parsley to coat the outside.
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Wrap ball with plastic wrap and chill at least 8 hours or overnight. Unwrap ball and serve with crackers.
Recipe Notes
This brandied triple cheese ball is made with blue cheese, cheddar, and cream cheese and flavored with brandy, onion, sriracha, and pecans.
Recipe adapted from one in the Southern Living 1985 Annual Recipes cookbook (no longer in print).
How do you make a cheerful gathering? One good start is to fill your table with lots of tasty treats and beverages. Check out these libational recipes by Sunday Supper contributors:
Libations
- Big Easy Milk Punch by The Weekend Gourmet
- Blue Sparkling Star Cocktail by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Boozy Iced Spanish Coffee by Nosh My Way
- Campari Mint Spritzer by eating in instead
- Cranberry Moscow Mule by Ruffles & Truffles
- Creamy, Loaded Eggnog by La Bella Vita Cucina
- Malibu Breeze by Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Merry Berry Spritz by Amee’s Savory Dish
- Minty Lime Rum by A Mama, Baby & Shar-pei in the Kitchen
- Pomegranate Panache by Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
- Rhubarb Fool Cocktail by Food Lust People Love
- Southern Pomegranate Sparkler by Noshing With The Nolands
- Sparkling Pomegranate Berry Punch by Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
- Vanilla Bailey’s With A Twist by Momma’s Meals
Savory and Sweet Libational Dishes
- Apple Bourbon Pulled Pork Sliders by Curious Cuisiniere
- Beerberry Pancakes by Brunch with Joy
- Beet Relish by What Smells So Good?
- Belgian Beef Stew with Belgian Ale by Cooking On The Ranch
- Brandied Triple Cheese Ball by Magnolia Days
- Champagne Chicken by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Cornish Game Hens with Sausage Red Wine Sauce over Polenta by The Texan New Yorker
- Craft Beer Jelly by Nik Snacks
- Eggnog Dutch Baby Pancakes with Cranberries by The Wimpy Vegetarian
- Hot Buttered Rum Balls by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
- Lentil Soup with Wine Braised Shallots by Pancake Warriors
- Red Wine Braised Short Ribs by Cooking Chat
Libational Desserts
- Amaretto Coconut Biscotti with Amaretto Salted Caramel Drizzle by Kudos Kitchen by Renee
- Amaretto Cranberry Swirled Cheesecake by The Life and Loves of Grumpy’s Honeybunch
- Baked Pears with a Warm Tequila-Citrus Espuma by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- Bourbon Cranberry Compote by Pies and Plots
- Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Rum Cake by Wallflour Girl
- Chocolate Stout Beer Brownies by The Perfect Brownie
- Dumante Frozen Espresso Creams by Seduction in the Kitchen
- Honey Chamomile Hot Toddy Tea Cake by The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
- Kahlua Bundt Cake by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Red Wine Poached Pears with Ricotta and Balsamic Glaze by Crazy Foodie Stunts
- Rum Glazed Cookie Cream Buns by NinjaBaker
- Tiramisu Biscotti by The Redhead Baker
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.
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Stacy says
December 14, 2014 at 5:41 amI’d head straight for that cheeseball too, Renee! Wonderful flavors all rolled up in the nuts. I’m swooning and it’s not from the brandy.
shelby says
December 14, 2014 at 8:22 amI am most definitely going to make this for our New Years Eve!! It looks delicious and sounds amazing.
Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
December 14, 2014 at 8:39 amOh Renee, this cheese ball is calling my name! It looks seriously delicious and I love the list of ingredients you’ve used here! Brandy, blue cheese, pecans…I’m IN! We were at an appetizer party last night and the snacks and munchies were terrific. I only wish this would have been on the table. I would have been in utter heaven.
Alice says
December 14, 2014 at 8:50 amI love the mix of cheeses in this and the touch of sriracha?? Perfect! And you are so on-point! Drinks first, then cheese and I totally plan my evening around a drink at a party! Thanks for sharing!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
December 14, 2014 at 9:32 amRenee, oh my gawd, you put brandy in a cheese ball!!! This is brilliant!!! If I saw this at a party, I would go directly toward this brandied triple cheese ball as well!!! This is stunning and I’ve got to try this!! Delish!
Tammi @Momma's Meals says
December 14, 2014 at 9:35 amI always thought about making a cheese ball myself for parties but really never knew how to, thanks for the new idea, I can’t wait to try it!!
Kathy says
December 14, 2014 at 10:12 amWhat can I use as a brandy substitute? I don’t like alcohol.
Renee says
December 15, 2014 at 7:10 amThe only thing I can suggest is perhaps to use cream instead.
Deanna Samaan says
December 14, 2014 at 10:48 amMmm This is to die for! I would serve this at a party anytime!
Ethel @eatingininstead says
December 14, 2014 at 11:24 amOh this one is getting added to my regular party rotation! It looks so delicious!
Liz says
December 14, 2014 at 11:41 amThis sounds just like the cheese ball my sister makes…she adds brandy, too and it’s to die for. Perfect for any holiday gathering!
Hezzi-D says
December 14, 2014 at 11:43 amRenee this sounds amazing! I love the triple cheese with the brandy…perfect for the holidays!
Tara says
December 14, 2014 at 1:44 pmI have never had a cheeseball with brandy in it but what a great idea!! I love a cheeseball for the holidays!! Just may have to sneak this recipe in!!
Cindys Recipes and Writings says
December 14, 2014 at 1:51 pmI love cheese that is served more than just piled on a plate!
Laura Dembowski says
December 14, 2014 at 3:34 pmCheese balls are always a hit at parties! This one looks sensational.
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
December 14, 2014 at 4:17 pmThis is such a gorgeous appetizer for a party! It sounds delicious!
Ala says
December 14, 2014 at 4:23 pmErmigawd, YES PLEASE. Okay, I should probably be more articulate than that, buuuuut I am seriously floored by this. Making cheese ball ASAP!
Valerie says
December 14, 2014 at 8:56 pmThis is a beautiful and elegant cheese ball recipe! Going to try this over the holidays!
The Ninja Baker says
December 14, 2014 at 9:11 pmThank you for the tips about grating the cheese, Renee. Love that you’ve got to allow the cheese ball to rest in the fridge…Kind of like preparing wine before a party so it’s presented in its best light, yes?
Sarah says
December 14, 2014 at 9:48 pmThis would be a hit at our xmas eve party!
Julie @ Texan New Yorker says
December 15, 2014 at 2:13 pmI am absolutely swooning over this! LOVE the sriracha in there!
Amee says
December 15, 2014 at 11:10 pmWe were just discussing our love for cheese! We definitely have that in common!! This blend of cheeses is perfect and you definitely had me at sriracha!!
Linda | Brunch with joy says
December 16, 2014 at 12:59 amRenee, this is brilliant! Brandy + sriracha + cheese = awesome. This definitely makes every party goes super fun.
Anita at Hungry Couple says
December 16, 2014 at 12:30 pmWow. Just wow. Also, want.
Serena | Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch says
December 17, 2014 at 10:51 pmLove this cheese ball! I can’t wait to make it!
Heather // girlichef says
December 18, 2014 at 7:09 amThese cheeseball sounds amazing, Renee – I love everything in it. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be able to tear myself away…just me and my cheeseball…
Katie @ The Perfect Brownie says
December 27, 2014 at 7:50 pmI have not had a cheese ball in years. I kid you not. Used to have them at Christmas or New Years but somehow got out of the habit. Time to get back in the cheese ball habit!
And my favorite libation is a Kumquat Mimosa. It’s a mimosa with kumquat-ade instead of orange juice.
Candace @ Cabot says
January 6, 2015 at 10:07 amWhat a wonderful take on a classic! I’ve never added brandy to a cheese ball, but I can imagine what a great addition it would be. And don’t get me started on the hint of sriracha. That’s just genius.I’m so happy to have come across this gem…thanks!