Classic Cheese Ball Recipe
This Classic Cheese Ball is a creamy, tangy, and flavorful appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. Made with sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and a medley of seasonings, it is coated with crunchy pecans for the perfect texture contrast. Easy to prepare and ready to serve with crackers or veggies, this cheese ball is a crowd-pleaser that balances savory flavors with a hint of spice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 cheese ball, serving approximately 8-10 people 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese (avoid pre-shredded cheese)
- 2 green onions, 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
- dash freshly ground black pepper
Coating
- 2/3 cup pecans, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese. Use a hand mixer or sturdy spoon to blend until smooth and well combined.
- Add Seasonings and Aromatics: Stir in the chopped green onions, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, dried parsley flakes, garlic powder, dried oregano, and a dash of freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Using clean hands or a spatula, form the cheese mixture into a firm ball shape. You can adjust the size depending on your preference or occasion.
- Coat with Pecans: Spread the finely chopped pecans out on a plate. Roll the cheese ball in the pecans, pressing gently so the pecans adhere evenly to the surface of the ball, creating a crunchy exterior.
- Chill Before Serving: Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up and allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled with crackers, bread slices, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for better flavor and texture; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect the creaminess.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the hot pepper sauce.
- For a different nut option, finely chopped walnuts or almonds can be used instead of pecans.
- This cheese ball can be made a day in advance for convenience and better flavor development.
- Keep refrigerated until just before serving to maintain freshness and shape.
Keywords: cheese ball, party appetizer, cream cheese appetizer, cheddar cheese ball, holiday appetizer, no-cook snack
Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/classic-cheese-ball-recipe/