Description
Cheesy Snack Delight is a creamy, flavorful appetizer perfect for parties and casual gatherings. This no-cook recipe combines sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and sour cream with a blend of spices and crunchy buttery crackers for an irresistible snack that can be served as a cheese ball or bite-sized rounds. It’s easy to prepare, requires no baking or cooking, and is great for serving with crackers, pretzels, or vegetable sticks.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions
- Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat
Coating
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and fluffy, ensuring all spices are evenly incorporated.
- Add Cheese and Chives: Fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese along with half of the chopped chives or green onions gently to mix without breaking the cheese shreds.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the cheese mixture for 30 minutes to allow it to firm up slightly, making it easier to shape.
- Prepare Cracker Coating: While chilling the cheese mixture, place the buttery crackers in a plastic bag and crush them finely with a rolling pin or pulse in a food processor until you have coarse crumbs.
- Shape the Cheese Snack: Once chilled, shape the cheese mixture into a log or small bite-sized balls using your hands or a scoop.
- Coat with Crushed Crackers: Roll each shaped cheese portion in the crushed crackers until fully coated, pressing lightly to ensure the crumbs adhere well.
- Garnish and Serve: Arrange the coated cheese snacks on a serving plate, garnish with the remaining chopped chives, and sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper on top if you like extra heat. Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside additional crackers, pretzels, or vegetable sticks.
Notes
- This cheesy delight is perfect as a party spread, finger food, or as a filling for mini sandwiches.
- You can form the mixture into a single cheese ball or press it into a dish for easy scooping if preferred.
- Adjust the heat by adding or omitting cayenne pepper according to taste.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days for best freshness.
