Happy Hour just got that much more happier. The savory and addictive Port Cheddar is the perfect addition to your cocktail hour cheeseboard.

  • Step 4: Port-Shallot Reduction
  • Step 6: Smooth Cheddar Mixture
  • Step 7: Divide Cheddar Mixture, Add Port to Half.
  • Assembly, Step 2
  • Assembly, Step 3
  • Assembly, Step 4 – Roll in pecans
Port-Cheddar Pecan Ball
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 325.
  2. Spread pecans on a parchment lined baking sheet, toast in preheated oven for 6 minutes.
  3. Transfer toasted pecans to a plate to cool for 20 minutes.
  4. With a sharp knife, finely chop cooled pecans. Set aside.
  5. In a small saucepan, over medium heat, simmer minced shallots and port wine for 20 minutes, or until reduced and only 1-1/2 tbsps of liquid remain and shallots have become dark purple in colour. Transfer to a small bowl to cool.
  6. On a box grater or in food processor outfitted with the shredding blade, shred cheddar cheese. Set aside.
  7. In a food processor, outfitted with the regular blade, add shredded cheddar, cream cheese, heavy cream, granulated onion, granulated garlic, and salt.
  8. Occasionally scraping the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula, process until very smooth.
  9. Divide cheddar mixture evenly between two small bowls. Add cooled port-shallot reduction to one of the cheddar mixtures and mix until fully blended - it should have turned purple in colour.
  10. Cover both bowls with plant wrap, refrigerate until they’ve completely set and are somewhat firm (about two hours or overnight).
To Assemble Port-Cheddar Pecan Ball:
  1. Lay out a square piece of plastic wrap onto the work service.
  2. Using a table spoon, scoop out a heaping spoonful of the plain cheddar mixture, then scoop a spoonful of the port cheese mixture, alternating cheddar and port cheese mixtures, building a pile of spoonfuls.
  3. Pull up edges of plastic wrap, and twist ends together forming a orange and purple marbleized ball wrapped in plastic.
  4. Refrigerate another hour in a ball shape to firm up.
  5. Pour chopped toasted pecans onto the work surface and roll cheese ball into pecans to cover completely. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  6. Unwrap cheese ball serve on a cheeseboard or platter. Serve with sliced baguette and assorted crackers.
Recipe Notes

Alternatively, omit pecans, and store and serve Port Cheddar spread in a ceramic cheese crock.