What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade cheese ball is perfect for any gathering, and it’s so easy to make. You’ll love how simple it is to customize with your favorite flavors and how quickly it comes together. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser every time. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Best of all, it’s budget-friendly and can be made ahead of time, so you can relax and enjoy the party!
Recipe
A cheese ball is a classic, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for parties, holidays, or casual gatherings. It’s easy to make, customizable, and always a hit. This simple yet delicious recipe combines creamy cheese, savory seasonings, and a crunchy coating for a flavorful treat.
Ingredients:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional, for coating)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until well blended.
- Add the green onions, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Shape the mixture into a ball using your hands or a spatula.
- If desired, roll the cheese ball in chopped pecans or another coating of your choice, ensuring it’s evenly covered.
- Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Serve with crackers, veggies, or bread.
Notes:
For added flavor, you can mix in extras like bacon bits, dried cranberries, or jalapeños. Adjust seasonings to taste.
Equipment:
Mixing bowl, spatula, plastic wrap.
Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
8-10 people
Nutrition
Cheese balls can be a delicious and indulgent treat, but it’s important to be mindful of their nutritional content. Below is the nutritional breakdown for one serving of homemade cheese ball.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Cholesterol | 30 mg |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade cheese ball with crispy crackers or slices of toasted bread for that perfect crunchy bite. Fresh veggies like celery and carrots add a revitalizing touch, while apple slices bring a hint of sweetness. It’s all about mixing textures and flavors to make every bite exciting!
Crackers and Breads
When you’re ready to dig into that creamy, flavorful cheese ball, you’ll want something sturdy and tasty to scoop it up with. For me, cheese pairings are all about balance, and cracker varieties are the perfect match. I love using buttery Ritz crackers for their richness, or multigrain options for a subtle crunch. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll grab some sea salt and olive oil crisps—they add a nice salty kick. Sliced baguettes or crusty bread also work wonders, especially when lightly toasted. Trust me, the right base makes every bite of that cheese ball even more irresistible!
Fresh Veggies and Fruits
Though crackers and breads are a classic choice, fresh veggies and fruits can add an invigorating twist to your cheese ball experience. I love pairing mine with crisp seasonal produce like cucumber slices, bell peppers, or apple wedges—they add a revitalizing crunch that balances the rich, creamy cheese. For healthy dips, try hummus or yogurt-based sauces to keep things light. The bright colors and flavors make the spread look as good as it tastes, and it’s a fun way to sneak in extra nutrients. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner!
