Description
Classic Cheese Ball featuring creamy, tangy cheese mixture with sharp cheddar, fresh herbs, and savory seasonings, rolled in crunchy chopped pecans. This make-ahead party appetizer requires just 15 minutes active prep and delivers restaurant-quality flavor. Perfect for holidays, game days, and celebrations.
Ingredients
CHEESE BASE:
16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
MIX-INS:
3 green onions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
COATING:
1½ cups chopped pecans, toasted
OR 1 cup chopped walnuts
OR ¾ cup everything bagel seasoning
OR ½ cup dried cranberries + ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
1. Remove cream cheese from refrigerator 1 hour before starting. Ensure it’s completely soft by pressing with finger—it should indent easily.
2. Toast pecans or walnuts in 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until fragrant. Let cool completely.
3. In large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat softened cream cheese until completely smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down sides frequently.
4. Add shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper to cream cheese.
5. Beat on medium speed until thoroughly combined and smooth, 1-2 minutes, with no visible cheese streaks.
6. Add green onions, chives, and parsley. Fold in gently with spatula or beat briefly on low just until incorporated.
7. Taste mixture and adjust seasonings if needed. Mixture should be well-seasoned.
8. Lay large piece of plastic wrap on work surface. Scrape cheese mixture onto center.
9. Gather edges of plastic wrap around cheese and twist top to form tight ball shape. Plastic wrap creates smooth, round surface.
10. Refrigerate wrapped cheese ball for at least 2 hours, preferably 4 hours or overnight, until firm.
11. Spread chosen coating on large plate. Unwrap chilled cheese ball.
12. Roll cheese ball in coating, pressing gently to help coating adhere completely to all surfaces.
13. Transfer to serving plate. Wrap loosely if not serving immediately and refrigerate up to 3 days.
14. Remove from refrigerator 20-30 minutes before serving for easiest spreading.
15. Serve surrounded by crackers, vegetables, and fruit slices.
Notes
Cheese ball can be made 1-3 days ahead—flavor improves as it sits.
Full-fat cream cheese is essential; low-fat creates grainy texture.
Shred cheese fresh from block; pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents.
Must chill at least 2 hours before coating or will be too soft.
Don’t freeze—texture becomes grainy and watery when thawed.
Store wrapped in refrigerator up to 5 days.
Bring to room temperature 20-30 minutes before serving for best spreadability.
One 16-oz cheese ball serves 12-16 people as part of appetizer spread.
For parties, make multiple smaller cheese balls instead of one large.
Refresh coating before serving if needed.
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: cheese ball, party appetizer, holiday cheese ball, easy appetizer, make ahead