Introduction
Get ready to indulge in a delightful treat that combines the best of sweet and savory: Reese’s Cheese Ball. This creamy, rich cheese ball is a celebration of flavors, featuring the beloved taste of peanut butter and chocolate. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply satisfying a craving, this easy-to-make snack is sure to impress your family and friends. It’s perfect for spreading on graham crackers, pretzels, or even crisp apple slices. Let’s dive into this peanut butter paradise!
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup Reese’s peanut butter chips
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Extra chocolate chips and peanut butter chips for coating
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (no baking required!)
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 10 servings
Directions and Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and creamy peanut butter using a hand mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue beating until everything is well combined and fluffy.
- Gently fold in the Reese’s peanut butter chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Gather the wrap around the cheese mixture and shape it into a ball. Twist the wrap tightly to secure the shape.
- Refrigerate the wrapped cheese ball for at least 2 hours, or until it’s firm enough to hold its shape.
- Once firm, unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in a mix of extra chocolate chips and peanut butter chips, pressing gently to coat the surface evenly.
- Serve chilled with your choice of graham crackers, pretzels, or apple slices, and enjoy the sweet-and-salty explosion of flavor!
Notes or Tips
For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a dash of chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before serving. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate chips or candies to customize your cheese ball to your liking. Make sure to keep it well-chilled before serving for that perfect creamy texture!
Cooking Techniques
This recipe is incredibly straightforward, but here are a couple of techniques to keep in mind:
- Softening Cream Cheese: To ensure your cream cheese is perfectly smooth, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. Alternatively, you can microwave it for about 10 seconds to soften it slightly.
- Shaping the Cheese Ball: Using plastic wrap not only helps to shape the cheese ball but keeps your hands clean! Don’t worry if it doesn’t come out perfectly round; it will taste amazing no matter the shape.
FAQ
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cheese ball can be made up to two days in advance. Just remember to keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
What can I serve with this cheese ball?
It pairs wonderfully with graham crackers, pretzels, or apple slices. You can also serve it with caramel sauce for a decadent touch!
Can I freeze this cheese ball?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container. To serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Conclusion
There you have it — a deliciously decadent Reese’s Cheese Ball that’s not only simple to make but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its creamy texture and delightful combination of flavors, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home. So gather your friends and family, and get ready to dig into this peanut butter paradise!