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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers » Cheese Ball Recipe

    Cheese Ball Recipe

    Published: November 24, 2022 · Modified: Nov 24, 2022 by John Kanell

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

    If you’re looking for the perfect party appetizer, you need to try this Cheese Ball recipe. It’s a classic recipe that is a must-have around the holidays. It has a deliciously creamy texture thanks to the cream cheese, which pairs wonderfully with the crunchy pecans on the exterior. This show-stopping cheese ball will be the star of the show!

    A platter with a cheese ball with a bit scraped off. Crackers and celery on the side. A bowl of pecans in the background.
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    Pinterest graphic of a platter with a cheese ball coated in pecans and crackers and celery surrounding it.
    Pinterest graphic of a cheese ball with a portion scooped onto a cracker in front of it.
    Pinterest graphic of an overhead angled view of a cheese ball with crackers and celery around it and some cheese spread on one cracker.
    Pinterest graphic of a close up view of a cheese ball coated in pecans with a portion of the cheese spread onto a cracker.
    Pinterest graphic of a cheese ball with a portion scooped off with crackers and celery around it.

    Don’t you love an easy party appetizer that pretty much serves itself? You can make this cheese ball ahead of time, store it in the fridge, then set it out with some crackers when your guests arrive, and everyone can serve themselves! It’s also an impressive looking dish that comes together in a few simple steps. 

    You won’t believe how easy it is to make. After making this, you won’t want to buy another pre-made cheese ball from the store. It’s also a more budget-friendly cheese board if you’re looking to host a large party. Want another crowd-pleasing treat like this easy cheese ball recipe? Try my spinach artichoke dip recipe, baked brie recipe, or deviled egg recipe. 

    What You Need to Make This Recipe

    Ingredients needed to make a cheese ball.

    Cream cheese — make sure to use blocks of cream cheese and not cream cheese from a tub. You need to bring the cream cheese out ahead of time, so it’ll be softened enough to be easily beaten until smooth.

    Cheese — I use sharp cheddar cheese. I recommend shredding your own cheese from a block, as it tastes better and creamier. Pre-shredded cheese has a coating on it to help prevent it from clumping in the bag. You also get more cheese for the same price if you shred it yourself!

    Worcestershire sauce — the acidic notes in the Worcestershire sauce help cut the richness of all the cheese.

    Pecans — a classic ingredient, you can swap them for almonds, walnuts, or another finely chopped nut. You can even do a blend of nuts.

    How to Make a Cheese Ball

    Set of two photos showing cream cheese whipped and cheese, green onions, and Worcestershire sauce added to it.

    1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese on medium speed or with a wooden spoon just until creamy and smooth. 

    2. Add the cheddar cheese, green onion, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and garlic powder. 

    Set of two photos showing the mixture mixed with a spatula and rolled then coated in chopped pecans.

    3. Stir together until well combined. Scrape the mixture together into a mound in the bowl.

    4. Place the pecans in a shallow dish. Roll the cheese mixture in the pecans until fully coated, gently pressing them into the ball so they stick. Wrap in plastic wrap and gently roll into a ball. Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours, or up to 5 days. Unwrap and let the cheeseball sit out at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Serve with crackers or veggies.

    A cheese ball on a blue plate with crackers and celery surrounding it.

    Pro Tips for Making This Recipe

    • Instead of sharp cheddar cheese, you can swap it for another cheese, such as mozzarella, or you can even use a blend of cheeses. Avoid using a dry cheese such as parmesan, as it won’t be as spreadable.
    • For a spicy kick, add a bit of hot sauce to the cream cheese before mixing it. You can also use spicy cheese such as pepper jack.
    • Make sure to chop your pecans finely. If you’re having trouble chopping them, place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush them. Finely chopped pecans will coat the ball better and be easier to spread.
    • If you have trouble shaping the cheese ball, you can chill the cheese mixture for 10 to 20 minutes before trying to shape it again.
    • I recommend serving this with a butter knife or butter spreader, as the crackers may break if you try to dive right in with one.
    • You don’t have to shape the cheese ball into a ball! Feel free to get into the festive spirit with this recipe. Shape the cheese into a football, a star, a snowman, and more! 
    • For a little extra savory flavor, you can add some chopped bacon bits to the cheese mixture when you add the green onions. 
    Close up of a cheese ball with a bit spread onto a cracker in front of it.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I store this?

    Store any leftovers tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    Can I freeze this?

    You can! However, it’s best to freeze the cheese ball before you roll it in the pecans, as they’ll lose their crispness. This method is best if you want to make it ahead of time, and when ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then roll it in the pecans. After you have shaped it into a mound, wrap it in a couple of layers of plastic wrap, followed by foil. Freeze for up to a month.

    What can I serve this with?

    Crackers and vegetable sticks are my go-to sides, but you can also serve the cheese ball with pita bread, pita chips, bagel chips, pretzels, crostini, a baguette, apple slices, and more! The options are limitless.

    How long can this stay out?

    As this recipe is cheese-based, I wouldn’t recommend leaving it unrefrigerated for longer than two hours. However, it rarely lasts long on my table!

    If you love this recipe try these out!

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      Baked Brie

    • A small plate with five coconut shrimps in front of a dipping sauce and a platter with more shrimp.

      Coconut Shrimp

    If you’ve tried this Cheese Ball recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!

    A plate with a cheese ball with crackers all around with one cracker with some cheese spread on it.
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    5 from 1 vote

    Cheese Ball Recipe

    All you need are a few simple ingredients to make this delightful cheese ball recipe! It's perfect for the holidays as it makes entertaining a breeze!
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 2 hours
    Cook Time 0 minutes
    Total Time 2 hours
    Servings 16 servings
    Calories 107kcal
    Author John Kanell

    Equipment

    • mixing bowl
    • Electric mixer (optional)
    • Shallow dish
    • Plastic wrap

    Ingredients

    • 2 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese softened (452g)
    • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded (227g)
    • 3 green onions chopped
    • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 cup finely chopped pecans (112g)

    Instructions

    • In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese on medium speed or with a wooden spoon just until creamy and smooth.
    • Add the cheddar cheese, onion, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir together until well combined. Scrape the mixture together into a mound in the bowl.
    • Place the pecans in a shallow dish. Roll the cheese mixture in the pecans until fully coated, gently pressing them into the ball so they stick, if needed.
    • Wrap in plastic wrap and gently round into a ball. Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours or up to 5 days. Unwrap and let the cheeseball sit out at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Serve with crackers or veggies.

    Notes

    • Instead of sharp cheddar cheese, you can swap it for another cheese, such as mozzarella, or you can even use a blend of cheeses. Avoid using a dry cheese such as parmesan, as it won’t be as spreadable.
    • For a spicy kick, add a bit of hot sauce to the cream cheese before mixing it. You can also use spicy cheese such as pepper jack.
    • Make sure to chop your pecans finely. If you’re having trouble chopping them, place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush them. Finely chopped pecans will coat the cheese ball better and be easier to spread.
    • If you have trouble shaping the cheese ball, you can chill the cheese mixture for 10 to 20 minutes before trying to shape it again.
    • I recommend serving this with a butter knife or butter spreader, as the crackers may break if you try to dive right in with one.
    • You don’t have to shape the cheese ball into a ball! Feel free to get into the festive spirit with this recipe. Shape the cheese into a football, a star, a snowman, and more! 
    • For a little extra savory flavor, you can add some chopped bacon bits to the cheese mixture when you add the green onions. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 107kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 103mg | Potassium: 53mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.5g | Vitamin A: 171IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 108mg | Iron: 0.3mg
    *Nutrition Disclaimer
    Have you Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @preppykitchen and tag #preppykitchen!
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    Thanks for stopping by! I’m John Kanell, a husband, dad to twins Lachlan and George, Los Angeles native, and an avid baker and cooker of all things delicious thanks to a life long education from my mother. This blog is where I share all of my kitchen creations!

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