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Easy to prepare with no cooking involved, this simple Cheese Ball recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a delicious classic holiday appetizer! It combines the tanginess of smooth cream cheese with the bite of sharp cheddar, all enveloped in a crunchy pecan crust!
Classic Cheese Ball Recipe
This recipe is a personal favorite, combining simplicity with gourmet appeal. It blends a creamy base of cream cheese with sharp cheddar, green onion, and red bell pepper to create layers of flavor that perfectly complement a nutty pecan coating. Whether served with crackers or a baguette, this cheese ball is perfect for any occasion from casual gatherings to formal parties.
Why You’ll Love This Cheese Ball
- Effortless Appetizer! You don’t need any fancy kitchen equipment or advanced cooking skills. Just mix the ingredients, shape, and chill. It’s a stress-free no-cook recipe, making it an easy appetizer for any occasion.
- Cheesy Classic! Designed to wow your guests, this homemade cheese ball is delicious! The creamy base, sharp cheddar, and crunchy nuts create a contrast that will have cheese lovers begging for more.
- Versatile Favorite! It pairs well with Ritz crackers, baguette slices, pita chips, or carrots and celery sticks. You can also customize the recipe by adding different cheeses, mix-ins, or spices.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cream Cheese: Forms the foundation of the cheese ball, providing a smooth, creamy texture.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds depth with its bold, rich flavor.
- Green Onions: Provide a mild, oniony flavor and texture.
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and a pop of color.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes a subtle touch of umami depth. You can use soy sauce or a dash of balsamic vinegar as a substitute.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a perfect hint of garlicky goodness to complement the cheese.
- Salt and Pepper: Used to season the cheese mixture.
- Pecans: Provide a satisfying and flavorful nutty crust.
- Fresh Parsley: Used for garnish, it adds a fresh, herbal finish.
- Crackers or Bread: An assortment of crackers or a sliced baguette is ideal for serving.
Forget store-bought cheese balls! With just a few basic ingredients and a little fridge time, you can create this easy appetizer in minutes.
Make The Cheese Mixture
Begin by putting the softened cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar into a large bowl. Then beat the cheeses together until smooth. Next, stir in the green onions and red bell pepper until well combined. Then add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, and mix until fully incorporated into the mixture.
Shape And Coat
Now, mold the cheese mixture into a ball, using plastic wrap if needed to help form a round shape. Then roll the cheese ball in the chopped nuts until fully coated on all sides. Finally, wrap the nut encrusted ball in plastic wrap and let it chill for at least 2 hours or until firm.
Serve And Enjoy
When ready, unwrap the cheese ball, place it on your favorite serving platter, and garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Then serve it surrounded with an assortment of crackers or a sliced fresh baguette.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I add?
You can easily customize this easy cheese ball recipe. Consider adding different cheeses like blue cheese, Swiss, or smoked Gouda. For more flavor, you can add bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or even diced jalapeños for spice. Herbs like dill or chives add a fresh touch. For a variation to the nutty crust, try using almonds, walnuts, or even a mix of seeds like sunflower or pumpkin.
Can you make a cheese ball the night before?
Absolutely! Preparing your cheese ball the night before is actually recommended. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cheese ball to firm up properly in the refrigerator.
Should cheese balls be served at room temperature?
Yes! Allowing the cheese ball to sit out for about 20 to 30 minutes before serving enhances its flavors and makes it more spreadable.
Expert Tips
- Choose quality ingredients. Opt for high-quality, full-fat cheeses for richer flavor and better texture. Aged sharp cheddar adds delicious bold flavor.
- Use room-temperature cream cheese. This makes it easier to blend with other ingredients, ensuring a smooth lump free texture.
- Don’t rush chilling. The cheese ball needs enough time in the fridge to firm up and for the flavors to meld.
- Perfect serving temperature. Serve the cheese ball slightly chilled, but not straight from the fridge. This enhances its flavor and texture.
Storage
To keep your cheese ball fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can keep it in the freezer for about a month. Then when ready to serve, just let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
More Delicious Appetizers To Try
- Potato Skins
- Garlic Parmesan Wings
- Esquites (Mexican Street Corn Salad)
- Air Fryer Cheese Pull Apart Bread
- Smoked Salmon Blinis
Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese 2 packages, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 green onions finely chopped
- ¼ cup red bell pepper finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup pecans chopped
- fresh parsley finely chopped, for garnish
For serving
- assorted crackers
- sliced baguette
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sharp cheddar cheese until smooth.
- Mix in the green onions and red bell pepper until well combined.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Once combined, shape the mixture into a ball. You can use plastic wrap to help mold it.
- Roll the cheese ball in the chopped pecans or walnuts, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- When ready to serve, place the cheese ball on a serving dish, sprinkle with some finely chopped fresh parsley (if using), and surround with assorted crackers or sliced baguette.
Tips & Notes:
- Cream Cheese Tip: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This makes it easier to mix and ensures a smooth texture.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for a unique twist. Aged cheddar, gouda, or even blue cheese can add interesting flavors.
- Nut Options: Pecans are great, but walnuts or almonds also work well. For a nut-free version, try rolling the cheese ball in chopped herbs or crushed crackers.
- Make Ahead: This recipe is perfect for preparing ahead of time. Just wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
- Serving Suggestions: Offer a variety of dippers like assorted crackers, sliced baguettes, or even vegetable sticks.
