If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer, these Red Walnut Cheese Balls are a perfect choice. Made with creamy cheese and our rich, buttery organic Red Walnuts, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Red Walnuts have a naturally mild, sweet taste with less tannic acid than traditional walnuts, making them a great match for savory dishes. Whether you’re hosting a fall get-together, need a snack for game day, or want something special for a cozy night in, these Red Walnut Cheese Balls are sure to impress.
Serves: 7-10
Prep Time: 40 Min
Ready In: 40 Min
Recipe Name
Ingredients:
- 2 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup red walnuts, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional for a slight kick)
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and green onions. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Once the mixture is well-blended, use your hands to shape it into a ball. You can also wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it for about 30 minutes to make shaping easier.
- Spread the chopped red walnuts on a plate or shallow dish. Roll the cheese ball over the walnuts, pressing gently to make sure the nuts adhere evenly.
- Cover the cheese ball and refrigerate for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve with your favorite crackers, bread, or veggie sticks.
Looking to Experiment? We enjoy these variants if you are feeling bold
1. Add a touch of sweetness for balance:
Red walnuts have a naturally mild and slightly sweet flavor, so a little honey or maple syrup (½–1 teaspoon) in the cheese mixture can really complement them.
2. Use a blend of cheeses:
Try swapping half of the cheddar for something like gouda, gruyère, or goat cheese for more depth and creaminess.
3. Boost texture and color:
Mix a tablespoon or two of finely diced dried cranberries, roasted red peppers, or chives into the cheese mixture before rolling — it makes the inside more colorful and flavorful.
4. Double-dip coating for crunch:
After chilling the first coating, roll the cheese ball in another light layer of chopped Handy Farms Red Walnuts just before serving to keep that outer crunch fresh.
5. Make it bite-sized:
Instead of one large cheese ball, roll the mixture into smaller, single-serving balls — perfect for parties or grazing boards.
6. Add a drizzle before serving:
Right before serving, drizzle a bit of Handy Farms walnut oil or honey over the top for a gourmet touch.
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