This classic cheese ball is an easy crowd-pleasing appetizer made with cream cheese, green onions, spices and pecans. It’s creamy, savory and a must for any holiday party!

Cheese ball sliced open to reveal creamy texture with green onions and pecans, a delicious and easy cheese ball appetizer.

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Jamielyn Nye

Classic 4-Ingredient Cheese Ball

This easy cream cheese ball recipe is one of my nostalgic favorites for holiday entertaining and a Christmas party staple. It’s creamy, savory and so simple to make ahead, which means less stress when guests arrive.

Another reason to love it is the endless possibilities for variations! Other favorites include my bacon ranch cheeseball, cranberry orange cheese ball and jalapeño popper cheese ball. I have even made mini cheese ball bites for a grab and go appetizer option!

Recipe Ingredients

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Cream cheese: You can’t make a cream cheese ball without the cream cheese! Make sure to soften the cream cheese before mixing for the best creamy texture.
  • Green onions: Chop them fine so that there’s not too much onion in one bite!
  • Ranch dressing mix: The main flavor source for this easy cheese ball recipe. Look for the dry mix (not the liquid bottle). My favorite brand is Hidden Valley.
  • Pecans: For coating the exterior. Chopped pecans provide a nice crunch as well as a buttery and nutty taste.
  • Dill: Adding fresh or dried dill is optional, although I highly recommend it. The flavor of the dill pairs perfectly with the cream cheese, ranch mix and green onions.

How to Make a Cheese Ball

This is honestly one of the easiest holiday appetizers ever and makes a great centerpiece to any snack board!

Top view of a cheese ball coated in chopped pecans on a white plate, part of an easy cheese ball recipe perfect for entertaining.
  1. Mix together ingredients. Mix the softened cream cheese, green onions, ranch dressing mix and fresh dill in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth.
  2. Cover with plastic wrap and chill. Place on plastic wrap, cover and form the cream cheese mixture into a ball. Refrigerate for at least one hour.
  3. Coat with pecans. Put pecans on a plate. Remove from plastic wrap and roll in pecans until well-coated.
  4. Serve and enjoy! Place on a platter with crackers and serve.
Top view of a cheese ball coated in chopped pecans on a white plate, perfect for entertaining.

Recipe Tips

  • Soften the cream cheese: Let it sit at room temperature before mixing so the cheese ball blends smoothly and evenly.
  • Wait to roll: Hold off on rolling the cheese ball in nuts or other crunchy toppings until just before serving to keep the coating fresh and crisp.
  • Easy shaping: If the mixture is sticky or hard to form, lightly spray your hands with cooking spray before shaping it into a ball.
  • Serving tip: Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator about 20–30 minutes before serving so it softens slightly and spreads easily.
Classic cheese ball on a white plate surrounded by assorted crackers on a wooden tray, the perfect party appetizer.

Cheese Ball Serving Options

There are plenty of delicious serving options. Here are some of our favorites to pair with this classic holiday appetizer!

  • Veggies (cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, celery)
  • Ritz crackers, wheat crackers or seed crackers
  • Pretzels or tortilla chips
  • Pita chips or baguette slices
Close-up of creamy cheese ball spread on a cracker, showing chopped pecans and green onions.

Looking for more party appetizers? Try these easy 3-ingredient sausage balls, cranberry salsa with cream cheese or cheesy pigs in a blanket.

More Appetizer Recipes

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The best cheese ball recipe with crackers.

Cheese Ball Recipe

5 from 54 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 16
This classic cheese ball is an easy crowd-pleasing appetizer made with cream cheese, green onions, spices and pecans. It’s creamy, savory and a must for any holiday party!
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Ingredients 

  • 16 ounces cream cheese , softened
  • ¼ cup green onions , chopped fine
  • 1 Tablespoon ranch dressing dry mix (like Hidden Valley)
  • ½ teaspoon dill , optional
  • ½ cup pecans , chopped

For serving: Favorite snack crackers or vegetables

Instructions

  • Combine. Mix 16 ounces cream cheese, 1/4 cup green onions and 1 Tablespoon dry ranch dressing mix with an electric mixer until smooth.
  • Wrap and shape. Place mixture on plastic wrap, cover and form into ball. Refrigerate for at least one hour.
  • Roll in pecans. Put 1/2 cup pecans on a plate. Remove from plastic wrap and roll in pecans until well-coated.
  • Serve. Place on a platter with crackers and serve. Enjoy!

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

  • If you don’t want to use nuts, you can use chopped bacon or crushed crackers instead (similar to my bacon ranch cheese ball).
  • If you’d like more cheese, you can mix in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese with the cream cheese.
  • Make-ahead: Follow steps 1 & 2, then let chill in fridge overnight. Before serving, roll in chopped pecans until well-coated. 
  • Storage: Will keep in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks if covered or stored in an airtight container. 

Nutrition

Calories: 121kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 31mg, Sodium: 161mg, Potassium: 56mg, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 395IU, Vitamin C: 0.3mg, Calcium: 31mg, Iron: 0.2mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations

While I love the simplicity of a 4 ingredient cheese ball, feel free to get creative!

  • Alternatives to pecans: Try walnuts, almonds, chopped pretzels or crackers. You can even use chopped bacon, candied pecans or opt for no nuts.
  • Beefy: If you love chipped beef in your cheeseball, add up to 1/2 jar of dried sliced beef. You can also add a splash of Worcestershire sauce as well.
  • Spicier: If you love spicy food, add some hot sauce or sriracha.
  • Even cheesier: Add some freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the mixture.

Recipe FAQs

How long can it sit out?

This simple cheese ball recipe can sit out at room temperature for about 2 hours. Because it’s made with dairy, it shouldn’t be left out any longer for food safety reasons.

Can a cheese ball recipe be made ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is perfect to prep ahead. Making it a day in advance gives the flavors time to blend and taste even better. Assemble the cheese ball without the nut coating, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. For best results, place it in a bowl to help it keep its shape, then roll in nuts just before serving.

What is the best way to store a cheese ball?

Store it an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, although it usually disappears much sooner. Leftovers make a great snack with crackers or fresh veggies.

Can cheese ball be frozen?

Yes! Assemble it without the nut coating, wrap tightly, and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then roll in nuts before serving.