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This is my go-to classic cheese ball! It’s deliciously cheesy with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onion, and seasonings shaped into a ball and rolled in crunchy pecans. It’s packed with flavor and makes the best holiday appetizer!
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe is great because it’s quick and easy to make, can be made ahead of time, and everyone always loves a cheeseball!
- Best Flavor: This irresistible classic cheeseball is made with cheddar cheese, cream cheese, green onion, and pecans. It turns out so tasty that you can’t stop at one bite! It’s that good!
- Holiday Appetizer: From game day to the holidays, it’s the season for appetizers! I love everything from dips to sliders and charcuterie boards.
Ingredients Needed for My Classic Cheese Ball
This cheese ball recipe is made up of just a handful of simple ingredients. I recommend getting good quality ingredients so the finished product will be amazing! You can find the exact measurements at the bottom of the post.
- Cream Cheese: This recipe requires two blocks of cream cheese. The full-fat cream cheese is best. Don’t forget to leave it out for a few hours to get to room temperature.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Even though buying pre-shredded cheddar cheese is convenient, I prefer freshly grated as it will taste better.
- Green Onion: Adds fresh flavor and color throughout the ball. Be sure to chop them so they blend smoothly into the recipe finely.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Both seasonings add a nice savory flavor and work well with the other flavors in this recipe.
- Dried Parsley: For color and a lovely herby taste.
- Pecans: Coarsely chop these so they evenly coat the outside of the cheese ball and add a nutty crunch.
How to Make a Classic Cheese Ball
Just a few simple steps and a few minutes to make this tasty cheese ball recipe. I love this served alongside a nice sturdy cracker, like Wheat Thins or thick pita chips. It’s also great with fresh vegetables for dipping. Let it sit out at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving so it’s softer and easier to dip or spread.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, add the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onion, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Mix: Mix until incorporated. I put mine in the stand mixer and used the paddle attachment. That made it so easy. Otherwise, mix in a bowl until smooth.
- Roll: Roll into a ball and wrap it in plastic. Chill for at least an hour or until firm.
- Coat: Unroll the cheese ball from the plastic wrap and roll in the chopped pecans.
- Serve: Serve a classic cheese ball with crackers or veggies and enjoy!
Recipe Tip
Pecans: I recommend waiting until just before serving to roll the cheese ball in the chopped pecans so they’re nice and crunchy!
Tips for Making a Cheese Ball
Even though making this classic cheese ball recipe is super simple, here are a few tips and tricks so this turns out perfect, especially if you’re new to making cheese balls.
- Softened Cream Cheese: Be sure to leave your cream cheese at room temperature for a few hours before making this recipe. It will be easy to incorporate with the other ingredients and roll into a ball at room temperature.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: For best results, shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains preservatives and doesn’t stick well to things. Freshly grated cheese will also have better flavor.
- Use a Mixer: You can mix the cream cheese mixture by hand, but using a stand mixer is much easier and quicker. It will turn out perfectly creamy!
- Forming Into a Ball: I find it easiest to transfer the mixture onto a section of plastic wrap. Then, pull the corners together and twist to easily form a ball. Roll your cheese ball on the counter to help form the shape. Then, finish shaping it with your hands. To remove the cheese ball, you can either cut the wrap at the base of the twist or simply untwist it and transfer it to a serving dish.
Storing Leftovers
Surprisingly, cheese balls make great leftovers. They’re easy to store and stay tasting delicious for days.
- Refrigerator: Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: This classic cheese ball recipe actually freezes wonderfully! Make this before a party so it’s ready to go. Just wrap it in plastic wrap and put it inside a plastic airtight bag. It will keep fresh for up to about one month.
More Delicious Appetizers
Every party or holiday gathering needs a spread of appetizers! Here are just a few of our favorites. Add these to your party menu. They’re guaranteed to be a hit!
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Classic Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
- ¼ cup green onion, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped for rolling
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, add the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onion, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Mix together until incorporated. I put mine in the mixer and used the paddle attachment. That made it so easy. Otherwise, mix in a bowl until smooth.
- Roll into a ball and wrap it in plastic. Chill for at least an hour or until firm.
- Unroll the cheese ball from the plastic wrap and roll in the chopped pecans.
- Serve with crackers or veggies, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Can this cheese ball be coated in walnuts, or almonds?
Hi Pat, thank you for your question. Yes! Any nut will work, I just recommend coating it right before serving so the nuts don’t get soggy.
Happy Holidays! I did make this cheese ball which we will enjoy soon as Christmas got delayed. Very easy and I’m confident it will be delicious! I so enjoy many of your recipes Alyssa. Keep up your outstanding work and all the best in 2024.