A classic cheese ball made with cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, green onions, and a few tasty spices, all combined and rolled in chopped pecans. Enjoy this cheeseball with crackers, pretzel crisps, apple or pear slices, vegetables, or crostini.
You can prepare this popular appetizer up to 7 days in advance and store the balled mixture in the fridge. However, it would be best to roll it in the chopped nuts right before serving. I love to serve this cheese ball with Hot Spinach Dip, Mac and Cheese Bites, and Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients below on the recipe card.
- Dairy: Use cream cheese and sharp cheddar cheese. You can use any tasty cheddar cheese, like white cheddar, smoked cheddar, or my favorite, sharp cheddar.
- Sauce: Franks hot sauce and Worcestershire Sauce
- Seasonings: kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder
- Nuts: chopped pecans, slivered almonds or sliced almonds (preferably toasted), chopped walnuts, or chopped pistachios.
How to make a Classic Cheese Ball
This is the summary version; see the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients and the instructions.
Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or handheld electric mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the cheddar cheese, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh ground black pepper. Beat until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl and beater when needed.
Now, lay out a large piece of plastic wrap on a countertop. Spoon the cheese into a ball shape and bring up the sides of the plastic wrap to cover the cheese ball. Use the wrapping process to help shape the cheese into a ball. Refrigerate the ball overnight or for up to 7 days. I usually place it back in the coldest part of the fridge.
When ready to serve, take the cheese ball out of the fridge. Roll it in the chopped nuts and place it on a serving platter with crackers, crostini, carrot sticks, and pretzels.
Preparation Tips and Storage
- It is best to make this cheese ball in advance, up to one week, so the beaten cream cheese mixture has ample time to chill and form.
- Try other dried herbs like parsley, oregano, or marjoram.
- For more protein, add crispy, cooked, chopped bacon.
- Place that cheese ball on a charcuterie board with olives, grapes, candied nuts, pickles, cured meats, dried fruits, and assorted cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, provided that the ingredients are fresh and the entire life of the cheese ball is not over 14 days.
What to Serve With a Cheese Ball
- Crackers
- Carrot Sticks
- Pretzel Crisps
- Pita Triangles
- Apple Wedges
- Crostini
- Celery Sticks
- Baguettes
- Bell Peppers
Frequently Asked Questions
A well-wrapped cheese ball stored in the fridge will last about two weeks. But if you add meat or fruit, that shortens the life to 2-3 days
To freeze, double-wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer zipper bag. It can be frozen for up to one month.
More Appetizer Recipes
Classic Cheese Ball Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces softened cream cheese at room temperature
- 2 cups fresh grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce like Frank’s hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 2 green onions finely sliced
- ¾ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or handheld electric mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the cheddar cheese, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh ground black pepper. Beat until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl and beater when needed.
- Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap on a countertop. Spoon the cheese into a ball shape and bring up the sides of the plastic wrap to cover the cheese ball. Utilize the wrapping process to help shape the cheese into a ball.
- Refrigerate the ball overnight or for up to 7 days.
- When ready to serve, take the cheese ball out of the fridge. Roll it in the chopped nuts and place it on a serving platter with your choice of goodies.
Notes
- It is best to make this cheese ball in advance, up to one week, so the beaten cream cheese mixture has ample time to chill and form.
- Try other dried herbs like parsley, oregano, or marjoram.
- For more protein, add crispy, cooked, chopped bacon.
- Place that cheese ball on a charcuterie board with olives, grapes, candied nuts, pickles, cured meats, dried fruits, and assorted cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, provided that the ingredients are fresh and the entire life of the cheese ball is not over 14 days.
Nutrition
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https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Sue
You said to “see notes” regarding hot sauce and I didn’t see any posted. Is there a particular sauce?
Beth Pierce
Silly me! Thanks for the heads up. I use Frank’s hot sauce. I am sure that is what I was going to add. I will take care of it now.
Sam
This was a great appetizer! Definitely making this again
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Sam. So glad that you liked the cheese ball.
Tara
This is my first year hosting Christmas and I am so glad that I found this classic Christmas appetizer recipe! It’s just not the holidays without it!
Beth Pierce
So true! Merry Christmas!
Liza
Soooo tasty! This recipe takes me back to the cheese balls my grandmother always served at Christmas. A true classic, perfect for holiday parties!
Beth Pierce
So true!
Tayler
I made this cheese ball over the weekend and it was a hit with everyone at the party. Thanks so much for sharing!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine!
Andrea
Nothing beats a classic cheese ball for the Holidays or game day. Can’t wait to dig into this.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Andrea! Enjoy!
Carrie Robinson
This is a must-make for holiday entertaining! Everyone loves a good cheese ball. 🙂
Erin | Dinners, Dishes and Dessert
Looks amazingly delicious! I’m excited to make this!
Juliane
Definitely satisfied my cravings! These cheeseballs are heaven sent!
Catalina
Cheese balls are always a favorite in our house! This one was so yummy!