This classic cheese ball recipe is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that comes together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for parties, holidays, or casual gatherings, this creamy and versatile treat packs incredible flavor in every bite.
With only 101 calories per serving and 4g of protein, it’s a smart choice that lets you indulge without guilt. The rich, velvety texture and perfect balance of ingredients make this cheese ball an irresistible addition to your appetizer menu.
Ingredients for Classic Cheese Ball
- Cream Cheese: 16 ounces, softened at room temperature for easy mixing
- Sharp Cheddar: 2 cups freshly grated for best melting and flavor
- Green Onions: 2, finely chopped for fresh flavor
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon for umami depth
- Hot Pepper Sauce: 1 teaspoon for gentle heat
- Seasonings: Dried parsley, garlic powder, oregano, and black pepper for perfect flavor balance
- Pecans: 2/3 cup finely chopped for crunchy coating
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Base Preparation: Mix cream cheese until smooth in a mixing bowl
- Flavor Building: Add cheddar, onions, and all sauces and seasonings, combining thoroughly
- Shaping: Grease hands lightly and form mixture into a perfect round ball
- Coating: Press chopped pecans gently around the entire cheese ball
- Chilling: Wrap in cling film and refrigerate for 1 hour until firm
- Serving: Let stand 20 minutes before serving with your favorite crackers or vegetables
Make-Ahead Tips
This cheese ball tastes even better when the flavors have time to blend! You can make it up to 3 days before your party – just keep it wrapped tight in the fridge. Add the pecans right before serving to keep them super crunchy. If you’re in a rush, 1 hour of chilling time will do the trick.
Easy Variations
Want to switch things up? Try these simple swaps:
- Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds
- Replace cheddar with pepper jack for extra kick
- Add crumbled bacon for a smoky twist
- Mix in dried cranberries for sweet-savory flavor
- Use chives instead of green onions
Serving Ideas
Make your cheese ball the star of the show! Set it out with:
- Buttery crackers
- Crunchy breadsticks
- Fresh veggies like carrots and celery
- Toasted baguette slices
- Pretzel crisps Create a pretty platter by arranging these items in a circle around your cheese ball. Add some fresh herbs as garnish for extra color!
Quick Tips
- Let cream cheese soften at room temp for 30 minutes for smoother mixing
- Grate your own cheese – it melts better and tastes fresher
- Clean your hands between shaping the ball and adding nuts
- Use a butter knife to spread on crackers
- Keep cold until about 20 minutes before serving
Classic Cheese Ball
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated, avoid pre-shredded cheese
- 2 green onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1 dash black pepper freshly ground
- 2/3 cup pecans finely chopped
Instructions
- Place cream cheese in a mixing bowl and mix until smooth.
- Add cheese, green onion, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, parley, garlic powder, oregano and pepper and mix well to combine.
- Use a rubber spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl and gather the mixture into one lump.
- Lightly grease your hands and form the mixture into a round ball.
- Place the pecans on a plate. Hold the cheese ball in one hand and use the other hand to scoop the pecans onto the outside of the ball, pressing them in gently and turning the ball to coat all sides.
- Cover the cheeseball in cling wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour to allow it to firm up.
- Take it out of the refrigerator about 20 minutes before serving to allow it to soften just slightly.
- Serve with crackers, pretzels, vegetables or anything else you’d love to dip in cheese!
