Easy Classic Cheese Ball Recipe for Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers
I’m Alex, and I’m glad you are here. This easy cheese ball recipe is simple, tasty, and perfect for any gathering. It is a reliable, crowd-pleasing party appetizer you can make ahead.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 min
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for coating)
- Crackers or vegetable sticks for serving
Instructions
- Place the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the cream cheese. Mix until everything is fully combined and creamy.
- Shape the cheese mixture into a ball using your hands or a spatula.
- Spread the chopped nuts onto a shallow plate. Roll the cheese ball in the nuts until it is completely coated.
- Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 2 days, to allow it to firm up. This make ahead appetizer step is important.
- Before serving your party appetizer, let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly.
- Serve your best cheese ball with crackers or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- For a Cheddar Ranch Cheese Ball variation, add 1 packet of dry ranch seasoning mix to the cheese mixture.
- You can prepare this savory cheese spread up to two days in advance. Keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator.
- If you want a spicier version, add 1/4 cup of finely chopped pickled jalapeños to the mixture.
- This recipe yields servings for a crowd, perfect for game day food or holiday entertaining.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of ball
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 7
- Cholesterol: 40