The Best Classic Homemade Cheese Ball Recipe
Make this easy, classic cheese ball recipe for your next gathering. It is a simple, make-ahead party appetizer that uses sharp cheddar and cream cheese, coated in pecans.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 min
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix until all ingredients are fully combined and uniform.
- Cover the cheese mixture and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up. This step makes shaping easier.
- Spread the finely chopped pecans on a shallow plate.
- Remove the chilled cheese mixture from the refrigerator. Shape the mixture into a ball using your hands or a rubber spatula.
- Roll the cheese ball in the chopped pecans until it is completely coated. If using parsley, sprinkle it over the top for color.
- Return the finished cheese ball to the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve cold with crackers, pretzels, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- You can prepare this cheese ball up to two days ahead of time. Keep it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
- For a different flavor, substitute the pecans with crushed pretzels, dried beef, or a mix of dried herbs.
- If you are serving a large crowd, consider making two smaller cheese balls instead of one large one.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 oz
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 210
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 35