Classic cheese ball recipe – Hands down one of the easiest and yummiest recipes to serve at your next holiday party! This easy cheese ball recipe is always a huge hit!
Once the holidays arrive, I’m always looking for easy appetizer recipes to make. This cream cheese ball is one of my favorites, along with pigs in a blanket, easy potato skins, homemade pretzel bites and buffalo chicken dip.
Cheese ball recipe
I had friends over (who are also away from their family) this past year for Thanksgiving and debated about making a cream cheese ball. I had so many other things to make, so this was kind of on the “if I get to it list.” Well I’m so glad I got to it because as soon as one of our friends arrived, they said they were so glad there was a cream cheese ball there. Apparently it’s not the holidays without one. And once I thought about it… it really isn’t. I never really loved them as a kid, but there was always a cheese ball with a veggie tray at every holiday. Now…pass the veggies and give me the cheese and crackers please. I have to contain myself so I don’t eat the whole thing! ;)
This classic cheese ball recipe is SO easy to make and only takes 4 ingredients. Can’t beat that. You can also make the easy cheese ball the night before and I think it tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to marry together. Mmm!
How do I make a cheese ball?
This cheese ball recipe is SO easy! It’s honestly one of the easiest appetizers ever. Just follow the simple steps below. Scroll down for the printable classic cheese ball recipe.
- Mix all ingredients except pecans with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Place on plastic wrap, cover and form into ball. Refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Put pecans on a plate. Remove cheese ball from plastic wrap and roll in pecans until well-coated.
- Place cheese ball on a platter with crackers and serve. Enjoy!
How long does a cheese ball last?
This easy cheese ball will keep in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks, although I’m sure it will get eaten up before then since it’s so delicious. :)
Additional cheese ball coatings
If you don’t want to use pecans, you can coat the cheese ball with any of the options below. You could even cut the cheese ball in half and do two different versions. Lots of ways to customize for your guests. This appetizer is great because it can be prepped the night beforehand as well.
- Walnuts
- Chopped pretzels
- Pine nuts
- Sliced almonds
- Chopped bacon
- Crushed crackers
- Chopped bacon
You can also try this bacon ranch cheese ball which is a yummy variation.
Classic Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup green onions (chopped fine)
- 1 Tablespoon ranch dressing dry mix (like Hidden Valley)
- 1/2 teaspoon dill (optional)
- 1/2 cup pecans (chopped)
- For serving: Favorite snack crackers or vegetables
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except pecans with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Place on plastic wrap, cover and form into ball. Refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Put pecans on a plate. Remove cheese ball from plastic wrap and roll in pecans until well-coated.
- Place cheese ball on a platter with crackers and serve. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Dig right in to this classic cheese ball recipe and enjoy! ;)
Dig right in to this classic cheese ball recipe and enjoy! ;)Dig right in to this classic cheese ball recipe and enjoy! ;)
Cheese balls are definitely a tradition on Thanksgiving and Christmas!
Cheese mixtures are the only realistic way to get people to eat enough good protein (that is also easy to digest – another aspect during holiday season …) and still enjoy it. Meat is not optimal and a lot of other stuff is too bland. And the above sound just right to contrast with the sweet stuff as I always feel an urge after a few cookies and cake to devour some pickles or other salty stuff.
I’m Australian and would like to make it but We don’t have ranch dressing dry mix?? Whats that? Could you describe it – perhaps I could substitute something else?
Would love to try for Christmas!
Hi Helen! Here is a recipe to make your own ranch dressing dry mix: http://www.browneyedbaker.com/diy-homemade-ranch-seasoning-mix/. Hope that helps! :)
I make this cheese ball but I add Chopped Dried Beef with 1/2 tsp of garlic powder goes over well at anytime of the year
Sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing. :)
Much easier than my five ingredient cheese ball recipe. Wait…
…You do realize that your 4 ingredient cheeseball actually calls for 5 ingredients, right?
2 (8oz) pkg cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup green onions, chopped fine
1 Tablespoon ranch dressing dry mix (like Hidden Valley)
1/2 teaspoon dill
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
The dill is optional :)
Nice! But, I counted 5 ingredients. Pecans are an ingredient!
The dill is optional, but with the dill it would be 5 ingredients! :)
thank you !
This is such a great party appetizer to add to your spread! So easy and customizable too!
YUM! I wish I was eating this right now!
This recipe is going to be trouble. Once I start I will not be able to stop! So good!
I love cheese so I will love this recipe!
I know for sure this cheese ball would be a huge hit in my house!
Perfect for tailgates and watch parties as football season is quickly approaching!
Cheese balls are always a great party appetizer!
Holiday isn’t complete without the one called Cheese ball. You’re absolutely right, it tastes better after a day once flavour mix well with all ingredients.
Definitely :)