A Cheese Ball is a classic party appetizer that combines creamy cheeses, savory seasonings, and crunchy coatings into one irresistible, make-ahead snack. It’s easy to customize with your favorite flavors and pairs perfectly with crackers, pretzels, and veggies. Whether for a holiday spread, game day, or casual gathering, this retro favorite never goes out of style.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cheese ball is rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. You can make it ahead of time, chill it until needed, and roll it in your choice of toppings right before serving. It’s endlessly customizable—smoky, spicy, herbaceous, or nutty, depending on your preferences. It also makes a great centerpiece for a snack board or charcuterie tray.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Worcestershire sauce
- Chopped green onions or chives
- Salt and black pepper
- Chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts), for coating
- Optional: cooked crumbled bacon, dried cranberries, ranch seasoning, or hot sauce for added flavor
Directions
- Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, green onions, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Form the ball: Shape the mixture into a ball using your hands or a spatula. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours to firm up.
- Coat the cheese ball: Once chilled, roll the cheese ball in chopped nuts or your preferred coating until evenly covered.
- Serve: Place on a serving plate surrounded by crackers, pretzels, or fresh veggies. Let sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for easier spreading.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 10–12
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Chilling time: 1–2 hours
- Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy cheese ball: Add minced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Bacon ranch version: Stir in crumbled bacon and a packet of ranch seasoning.
- Holiday flair: Mix in dried cranberries and chopped pecans for a festive touch.
- Italian-style: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and parmesan cheese.
- Mini cheese balls: Form into bite-sized portions for individual servings.
Storage/reheating
Wrap any leftover cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Serve chilled or allow to come to room temperature before serving. Cheese balls are not ideal for freezing, as the texture may change.
FAQs
Can I make a cheese ball ahead of time?
Yes, it’s actually best when made a day in advance to let the flavors meld.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar is a classic, but you can mix in gouda, pepper jack, or blue cheese for variety.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes, use crushed pretzels, herbs, or bacon instead of nuts for coating.
Can I freeze a cheese ball?
Freezing is not recommended, as it may affect the texture when thawed.
What do you serve with a cheese ball?
Serve with crackers, pretzels, crostini, or fresh veggies like celery and bell peppers.
How do I keep it from sticking to my hands?
Chill the mixture slightly before shaping and use plastic wrap to help form the ball.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but full-fat will provide a creamier texture and better flavor.
How long does a cheese ball last in the fridge?
Up to 5 days if stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I make a sweet cheese ball?
Yes, mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and chocolate chips, and roll in crushed cookies or graham crackers.
How do I transport a cheese ball?
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a secure container with ice packs if needed.
Conclusion
This Cheese Ball Recipe is a delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Creamy, customizable, and packed with flavor, it’s a must-have for any gathering. With endless variations and simple ingredients, this cheese ball is sure to become a go-to favorite for your next party or celebration.
Print
Cheese Ball Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Cheese Ball Recipe is a creamy, flavorful appetizer made with cream cheese, shredded cheese, and seasonings, rolled in crunchy nuts. Perfect for parties, holidays, or game day gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for coating)
- Crackers, for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and green onions if using.
- Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Shape the mixture into a ball using your hands or a piece of plastic wrap.
- Place chopped nuts on a plate and roll the cheese ball in the nuts until fully coated.
- Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up and blend flavors.
- Remove from fridge 15 minutes before serving. Serve with crackers.
Notes
- Can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Try different coatings like crushed pretzels, herbs, or bacon bits.
- Let sit at room temperature before serving for easier spreading.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg