Rolled in pecans and made with cheddar and blue cheeses, this is the Best Cheese Ball Recipe. Ever. If you need easy appetizers for your party this recipe is for you! Plus you can make it in just 15 minutes!
This blue cheese cheese ball post was originally published on January 26, 2021, and has now been updated.
Whether you're looking for the perfect appetizer for game day or hosting during the holidays, this classic cheese ball recipe is my go-to. It's super easy to make ahead. Plus, if you're gathering away from home, it's easy to transport.
And it's especially easy to shovel in your mouth via cracker.
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Why This Recipe Works
While I love a Dried Beef Cheese Ball or even a Chicken Cheese Ball, this one is the OG and what started my love affair.
With just a few ingredients, you can create a creamy and flavorful snack that is unfussy and totally delicious. Served with crackers or bread, this is always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for parties.
It makes a great appetizer since it can sit out for a while without looking sweaty and gross (but obvs pay attention to food safety and don't leave it out all day...)
But don't feel like you can't make one for yourself for a day of binge-watching Netflix.
Ingredient Notes
I think the blue cheese makes this dish for me but I understand that there are some people who think it tastes like feet so if that is you, just leave it out and just use the cheddar cheese.
I'm a big fan of blue cheese. If you are too you need to check out these Blue Cheese Potato Chip Nachos, Blue Cheese Steak Bites appetizer, and this crazy good Blue Cheese Vinaigrette Dressing!
The green onions and lemon juice really punch up the flavor so don't skip it! I mean, if you seriously didn't have them at home and you still wanted a blue cheese ball, you could still make it.
But if you can help it, make sure you have all of these things.
The pecans add a delicious flavor and texture to coat the outside, but if you or any guests have a nut allergy, you can serve it without them. I've made this both ways and it's scrumptious any way you slice it.
You can serve this cheese ball with any type of cracker or even bread. In my opinion, the best flavor pairing is Wheat Thins. Fight me.
Step-by-step instructions
Make sure your cream cheese is very soft to make things easy to mix.
In a large bowl, add the cream cheese, chopped green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled blue cheese, and lemon juice.
Then just mush it all together. I used a fork. No hand mixer is needed.
Once everything is mixed, lay a piece of plastic wrap on the counter. Scoop the cheese ball mixture onto that piece and then wrap it, shaping it into a sphere.
Put it in the refrigerator to firm up for at least an hour.
When ready to serve, remove the cheddar cheese ball from the fridge and roll it in chopped pecans.
You can do this by putting the pecans in a shallow plate or bowl and rolling the ball in it, or using your hands to press them all around it.
How to serve
The best crackers to serve with this cheese ball are Wheat Thins. Because, yum.
You can also serve it alongside slices of french bread, other types of crackers, or even vegetables.
Tips and tricks
- Because of the dairy in the cream cheese, a cheese ball shouldn't be left out at a party for more than 2 hours.
- If you are hoping to have it available for longer, consider splitting the recipe into two and serving them at different times.
- You can make a cheese ball a few days before you need it, but it will depend on how fresh your ingredients are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store the cheese ball in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. It should last for a few days. I've read that you can keep in there for 2 weeks. That seems like WAY too long in my opinion.
Yes, you can use up any cheese ball leftover from your original serving. You can continue eating it like a snack or appetizer, or you can work it into new recipes. Heated up, it would create a creamy sauce that would be great over pasta! It would be delicious crumbled into scrambled eggs or even as a spread on a sandwich. Get creative!
If you are working with the ingredients and you don't feel the ball is holding its shape well, you can place it in the fridge for about an hour to firm up a little.
This blue cheese and cheddar cheese ball is perfect to serve at any type of party.
With champagne on New Year's Eve, for a football party, or even a holiday get-together, it's an easy recipe to make again and again.
Related Recipes
- These Dried Beef Roll-Ups with cream cheese and horseradish are unique and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Hot Artichoke Dip is cheesy and flavorful and a great recipe to serve at any gathering.
- Change up your favorite party mix by making this Old Bay Chex Mix!
Appetizer Collections
So many tasty ideas in each of these posts!
- These 20 Quick and Easy Appetizer Recipes are especially perfect for football parties.
- Quick Dinner Party Appetizers to check out to serve to welcome your guests.
- Need a binge night? Make one of these 20 Appetizer Ideas for a Night of Netflix.
- While I usually peruse these Dessert Dips when I'm watching a reality TV marathon, they also work well for parties.
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The Best Cheese Ball Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 tablespoon green onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon Blue Cheese crumbled
- 2 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Finely chopped pecans optional
- Wheat Thins
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled blue cheese, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and green onions until well blended.
- Lay a piece of plastic wrap on the counter. Scoop cheese ball mixture onto the wrap.
- Bring up the plastic wrap around the mixture to form into a ball.
- Put into the fridge to firm up for an hour.
- When ready to serve, remove from fridge and roll in chopped pecans.
- Serve with Wheat Thins, sliced bread, other crackers and/or vegetables.
Notes
- Because of the dairy in the cream cheese, a cheese ball shouldn't be left out at a party for more than 2 hours.
- If you are hoping to have it available for guests longer, consider splitting the recipe into two and serving them at different times.
- You can make a cheese ball a few days before you need it. Wait to roll the finished cheese ball in the pecans until just before serving.
- You can leave off the pecans if you have a food allergy.
- If you are working with the ingredients and you don't feel the ball is holding its shape well, you can place it in the fridge for about an hour to firm up a little.
- Store the cheese ball in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. It should last for a few days.
Amy O'Leary says
This looks AMAZING! I definitely will be trying this in the near future!
Sharon Garofalow says
Thanks Amy! It's so easy and super tasty!
Andrea Fellman says
This looks almost too good to eat!
Jamie says
YUM - that looks amazing!! Perfect for parties and the holidays! Pinning this! :)
Sharon Garofalow says
Thank you, Jamie!! Happy Holidays to you!
pattie says
Love this! I'll skip the Worcestershire Sauce and make it vegetarian :) Thanks!!!
Sharon Garofalow says
Great idea Pattie! I'll have to remember that for when we entertain our veggie friends!
Melissa says
This look delish. I'm one of those peeps who isn't a fan of blue cheese but this still looks like something I would eat like no one is watching.
Sharon Garofalow says
You could totally leave out the blue cheese and it would still be super yummy! :)