This Classic Cheese Ball recipe is an easy appetizer made from a blend of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, chopped pecans, and spices.

A cheese ball with crackers and pecans on a black plate.


 

This easy Cheese Ball recipe is one that my grandma made for every holiday. It’s a simple blend of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onion, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce all rolled together and coated in chopped pecans.

This easy appetizer recipe is one of my favorites because you can make it ahead of time, then pull it out of the refrigerator just before guests arrive and serve it with cheese and crackers, or low carb veggies for those who are skipping the carbs.

Add it to your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve appetizer platters, or serve it at your next game day party.

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Pecan cheese ball on a black plate with crackers.

How to Make a Cheese Ball

Step 1 – Combine ingredients. Place cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, green onion, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and salt in the bowl of your stand mixer and mix together until all ingredients are fully combined.

Step 2 – Form ball. Scrape the mixture from the bowl and form into a ball.

Step 3 – Outer Coating. Roll the ball in the chopped pecans until it is fully covered. 

Step 4 – Chill. Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill for 1 hour.

Step 5 – Serve. Serve with crackers and veggies.

Other Variations

Don’t hesitate to get creative with your cheese ball. Try different combinations of herbs, spices, and toppings to create a unique flavor profile. You can also experiment with different types of cheeses for exciting variations.

To get started, try our buffalo chicken cheese ball and mini cheese balls.

A cheese ball with crackers and nuts on a plate.

What to Serve with a Cheese Ball:

The combination of dippers and your easy cheese ball makes for a delicious appetizer spread at your gathering. Make your cheese ball visually appealing by creatively arranging accompaniments on a platter.

  • Assorted Crackers: A classic choice, crackers provide a crispy base for spreading or scooping the cheese onto. Choose a variety of crackers like Ritz crackers, Triscuits, pita chips, Wheat Thins, Club crackers, or seasoned gourmet crackers that offer flavor options to cater to different tastes.
  • Sliced Baguette: Thin slices of fresh baguette are perfect for a rustic touch. They offer a chewy contrast to the creamy cheese ball.
  • Pretzels: Pretzel chips or pretzel sticks add a salty crunch that pairs wonderfully with the creamy cheese.
  • Fresh Vegetables: Offer a colorful selection of fresh vegetables for a healthier option. Celery sticks, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips make great dippers.
  • Fruit Slices: Balance the richness of the cheese ball with some refreshing fruit slices. Apple and pear slices, grapes, and berries all work well.
  • Nuts: Serve a bowl of mixed nuts, such as almonds, cashews, or walnuts, for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
  • Olives: An assortment of olives, both green and black, provides a savory and slightly briny contrast to the cheese.
  • Honey or Fruit Preserves: Offer a small dish of honey or fruit preserves. Guests can drizzle a touch of sweetness over their cheese ball.
  • Quick Pickled Vegtables: Dill pickles, sweet gherkins, pickled carrots, pickled cauliflower, dilly beans, and pickled red onions can provide a tangy and crunchy element to balance the creamy cheese.
  • Mustard: Set out a few varieties of mustard for those who enjoy a bit of tanginess with their cheese.
A cheese ball with pecans and crackers on a plate.

How Long Is a Homemade Cheese Ball Good For?

This easy cheese ball recipe is good for up to 1 week when stored in the refrigerator. Wrap the ball tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve it.

Before serving, visually inspect the cheese ball for any signs of mold, discoloration, or off-putting odors. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to discard it.

Can You Freeze a Cheese Ball?

Freezing a cheese ball is not recommended, as it can significantly alter the texture and flavor of the cheese ball. Cheese balls are best enjoyed when they are freshly made or refrigerated for a short period. Freezing can lead to texture changes, flavor loss, and water separation, which results in a soggy cheese ball when thawed.

A person holding a celery stick with a cheese ball on it.

How to Store It

Storing a cheese ball properly is essential to maintain its freshness and flavor. Here’s how to store a cheese ball:

  1. Wrap it Well: After preparing your cheese ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Make sure there are no openings or gaps in the wrapping to prevent air from getting in.
  2. Use an Airtight Container: Alternatively, you can place the wrapped cheese ball in an airtight container. This provides an extra layer of protection against air and moisture.
  3. Label and Date: If you plan to store the cheese ball for more than a day, it’s a good idea to label the wrapping or container with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of freshness.
  4. Refrigerate Promptly: Place the wrapped or containerized cheese ball in the refrigerator as soon as possible. The refrigerator should be set at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or lower.
  5. Before Serving: When you’re ready to serve the cheese ball, take it out of the refrigerator about 15-30 minutes before serving. This allows it to soften slightly, making it easier to spread.

By following these storage guidelines, you can keep your cheese ball delicious and ready to serve for your next gathering.

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Servings: 10
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Classic Cheese Ball

This Classic Cheese Ball recipe is an easy appetizer made from a blend of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, chopped pecans, and spices.
A cheese ball with pecans and crackers on a plate.
Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened
  • 8 ounces Cheddar Cheese shredded
  • 1 teaspoon Green onion, finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon Salt
  • 1 cup Pecans, roughly chopped

Instructions

  • Place cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onion, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and salt in the bowl of your stand mixer and mix together until all ingredients are fully combined.
  • Scrape the mixture from the bowl and form into a ball.
  • Roll the ball in the chopped pecans until it is fully covered.
  • Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill for 1 hour.
  • Serve with vegetables and crackers.

Nutrition

Calories: 238kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 22g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Cholesterol: 49mg, Sodium: 284mg, Potassium: 104mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 537IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 194mg, Iron: 1mg
Nutrition Disclaimer: We are not certified nutritionists. Nutrition facts are an estimate and are provided as a courtesy. They are generated by an online API which recognizes ingredient names and amounts and makes calculations based on the serving size. Results may vary.
Author: Kat Jeter & Melinda Caldwell
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cheese ball recipe, easy cheese ball recipe
Handwritten signature for Kat & Melinda