Description
This creamy, flavor-packed cheese ball takes just 15 minutes to prep and transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible party centerpiece. Perfect for any gathering, this make-ahead appetizer features sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and your choice of coatings.
Ingredients
16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
4 oz blue cheese or goat cheese, crumbled (optional)
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of salt
1 cup pecans or walnuts, finely chopped and toasted
1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced
Instructions
1. Remove cream cheese from refrigerator and let sit for 30-60 minutes until completely soft.
2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
3. Add shredded cheddar and optional blue cheese or goat cheese, mixing until well combined.
4. Incorporate sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt, beating until mixture is uniform.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Chill mixture in refrigerator for 30 minutes to make shaping easier.
7. Transfer mixture onto plastic wrap and form into a ball by gathering edges and twisting tightly.
8. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best texture.
9. Toast nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, then let cool.
10. Mix toasted nuts with minced parsley on a plate.
11. Unwrap chilled cheese ball and roll in nut mixture until completely covered.
12. Let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for optimal spreadability.
Notes
Bring cheese ball to room temperature 15-20 minutes before serving for best spreadability.
Store uncoated cheese ball wrapped tightly in refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Add coating just before serving to keep it crispy.
Can be frozen for up to 1 month—wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.
For smooth mixing, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature.
Toast nuts for deeper, richer flavor in the coating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cheese ball, cheese ball recipe, party appetizer, make-ahead appetizer, holiday appetizer, cream cheese ball