Spiced Orange, Sage & Macadamia Cheeseball Recipe

It’s macadamia nut cheeseball time!

I love sharing something easy right before Thanksgiving — a recipe you can still make in time for the holiday. If you’re looking for a fresh appetizer to add to your spread, this macadamia nut cheeseball is dreamy and seasonal, and it pairs beautifully with the flavors of a Thanksgiving table.

Cheeseballs are basically a family tradition for me — both of my cookbooks include a cheeseball, and the blog has several variations over the years. I can’t help it: I’m obsessed. They’re nostalgic, satisfying and endlessly adaptable.

I just can’t let it go.

Even if cheeseballs feel retro, they’re delicious, simple and make-ahead friendly. A great cheeseball becomes a yearly staple people request again and again. This macadamia version is a bit more elevated than the basic version, but the method is the same: mix, chill, coat and serve.

Why cheeseballs are perfect for holidays:

• They taste great. A well-balanced cheeseball combines sharp cheese, aromatics and crunch into a crowd-pleasing bite.
• They’re easy. This one takes a little more care with flavors and a nut coating, but the steps are straightforward.
• They improve with time. Make the ball a day or two ahead and the flavors meld. For the crispiest coating, wait to roll it in nuts until the last day so they stay crunchy.

Cheeseballs also travel well, which makes them ideal for potlucks, family gatherings or bringing to a friend’s house.

This season I’ve been playing with spiced orange in a few recipes, and it felt natural to bring those flavors into a cheeseball. Macadamia nuts are luxuriously buttery, so they make a beautiful interior addition and an irresistible crust. Inside we use cream cheese and finely grated pecorino, plus a small amount of chopped macadamias, bright orange zest, herbs and warm spices. The result is a festive, slightly savory-sweet cheeseball with texture and brightness.

Flavor notes

The balance here is key. Taste the mixture before you form the ball and adjust the orange zest or spices to your preference. The outside coating of chopped macadamias, pecans and fresh herbs adds crunch, color and another layer of flavor, so factor that into your seasoning choices.

Macadamia Nut Cheeseball

Spiced Orange, Sage and Macadamia Nut Cheese Ball

Yield:

6
to 8 people

Prep Time:
30 mins

Refrigerate:
2 hrs

Total Time:
2 hrs 30 mins

This macadamia nut cheeseball is flavored with fresh orange, spices, crispy sage and pecorino cheese. It’s the perfect make-ahead snack!

Ingredients

• 2 (8-ounce) blocks of cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup finely grated pecorino cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped chives
• 2 tablespoons chopped crispy sage (recipe below)
• 3 teaspoons freshly grated orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of freshly cracked black pepper

for the outside coating:

• 2/3 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley, sage and chives)

Instructions

• To make the crispy sage, heat 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a skillet until melted and bubbling. Add 8 to 10 sage leaves and cook 1–2 minutes until crisp. Remove with tongs and drain on a paper towel.
• In a large bowl, stir together the cream cheese, pecorino, chopped macadamias, chives, crispy sage, orange zest, allspice, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Mix until evenly combined. Taste with a cracker and adjust zest or spices as desired.
• Place a large piece of plastic wrap on the counter. Form the mixture into a loose ball, wrap it tightly and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight. Once chilled, reshape into a smooth ball while still wrapped, if needed.
• On a plate, combine the chopped macadamias, pecans and fresh herbs. Unwrap the cheeseball and roll it over the mixture until the outside is fully coated.
• Serve immediately or wrap and refrigerate until serving. For best crunch, wait to coat the cheeseball in nuts until just before serving so the nuts stay crisp.

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Author: How Sweet Eats

Pita bite crackers are where it’s at.