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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers » The Best Cheese Ball Recipe Ever

    Published: Nov 18, 2022 · Updated: Nov 18, 2022 by Sharon Garofalow | This post may contain affiliate links. See the privacy policy linked in my footer.

    The Best Cheese Ball Recipe Ever

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Close up of a cheese ball rolled in pecans.
    Close up image of a cheese ball surrounded by crackers with the text that reads Best Easy Cheese Ball.
    Text - The Best cheese ball recipe with a close up of a pecan crusted cheese ball on a plate.

    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!

    A cheese ball rolled in pecans next to some crackers.

    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.

    Jump to:
    • Why This Recipe Works
    • Ingredient Notes
    • Step-by-step instructions
    • How to serve
    • Tips and tricks
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Related Recipes
    • Appetizer Collections
    • The Best Cheese Ball Recipe

    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.

    Appetizers on a food table at a party with text next to it.

    Ingredient Notes

    Labeled ingredients to make a classic cheese ball.
    What you need to make a blue cheese ball.

    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

    A bowl with ingredients for a cheddar and blue cheese cheese ball.

    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.

    Cheese ball on a platter with crackers.

    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

    How do you store a cheese ball?

    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.

    Can you use a leftover cheese ball?

    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!

    How do you make a cheese ball firmer?

    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.

    A cheese ball rolled in pecans and served with crackers on a white platter next to glasses of champagne.

    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.

    PIN TO SAVE THIS RECIPE FOR LATER

    Make sure you don’t lose this recipe by saving it for later! Also, for more recipes make sure you’re following me on Pinterest, Instagram and like my page on Facebook. If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a star rating and tag me in your pictures!

    Close up of the best cheese ball recipe with blue cheese and pecans.

    The Best Cheese Ball Recipe

    This, the BEST Cheese Ball recipe, is perfect party food! With just a few ingredients this easy appetizer is flavorful and great for a crowd and can be made in about 15 minutes!
    4.20 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Course: Appetizers
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Chill Time: 1 hour
    Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
    Servings: 12 servings
    Calories: 144kcal
    Author: Sharon Garofalow

    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. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 12Servings | Calories: 144kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 196mg | Potassium: 56mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 453IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 159mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @CupcakesCutlery or tag #cupcakescutlery!

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    About Sharon Garofalow

    Sharon lives in Southern California with her adorable family. She loves to share ideas to make mom life easier and encourage busy gals to make time for themselves too! Sharon's "me" time often includes watching Hallmark Channel movies, sipping sauvignon blanc, trying not to eat Salt and Pepper potato chips, and planning girlfriend getaways.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Amy O'Leary says

      November 18, 2015 at 11:05 am

      This looks AMAZING! I definitely will be trying this in the near future!

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        November 20, 2015 at 12:31 pm

        Thanks Amy! It's so easy and super tasty!

        Reply
    2. Andrea Fellman says

      November 17, 2015 at 5:29 am

      This looks almost too good to eat!

      Reply
    3. Jamie says

      November 16, 2015 at 6:07 pm

      YUM - that looks amazing!! Perfect for parties and the holidays! Pinning this! :)

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        November 16, 2015 at 6:39 pm

        Thank you, Jamie!! Happy Holidays to you!

        Reply
    4. pattie says

      November 12, 2013 at 10:11 pm

      Love this! I'll skip the Worcestershire Sauce and make it vegetarian :) Thanks!!!

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        November 16, 2013 at 8:43 pm

        Great idea Pattie! I'll have to remember that for when we entertain our veggie friends!

        Reply
    5. Melissa says

      November 11, 2013 at 9:04 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        November 11, 2013 at 10:24 am

        You could totally leave out the blue cheese and it would still be super yummy! :)

        Reply

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    Welcome!
    Based in Southern California, I am the mom to two amazing boys and married to the raddest man in all the land. Cupcakes and Cutlery is your resource for simple solutions to help you be an awesome wife and mother and not lose yourself in the process. Email me at [email protected]

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