Butternut-Studded Cheese Ball
A Butternut-Studded Cheese Ball is a savory, festive appetizer made by blending cream cheese and other cheeses with roasted butternut squash, then forming it into a ball and coating it with nuts or herbs. It's a popular party dish in North America, especially during the fall and holiday seasons, offering a creamy, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor profile.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in fat and calories, primarily from cheese and nuts, with a moderate amount of protein and carbs from the squash. It provides key nutrients like calcium, potassium, and vitamin A, with a typical serving containing roughly 200-300 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 230 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbs | 8 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 280 mg |
| Calcium | 120 mg |
| Potassium | 150 mg |
| Vitamin A | 450 IU |
| Phosphorus | 95 mg |
| Vitamin C | 4 mg |
| Vitamin K | 6 mcg |
| Magnesium | 15 mg |
| Zinc | 0.8 mg |
Per 1 serving (60 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it represents a modern twist on the classic cheese ball, incorporating seasonal squash to add natural sweetness, color, and a nutritional boost of fiber and vitamins. Nutritionally, the butternut squash adds a unique source of complex carbs and antioxidants to an otherwise rich, dairy-based appetizer.
