This cheese ball recipe is always a hit! The ultimate classic party appetizer, it really is a must-have at both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Paired with your favorite crackers, bread or veggies, it will go fast.
Want more appetizer ideas? Try these traditional hanky panky appetizers. This cheesy pull-apart bread and this Bacon Cheddar Cream Cheese Dip are also both favorites in our house.
Cheese Ball Recipe
Traditional cheese balls are a mix of cream cheese and grated cheese that are whipped creamy smooth with a few added flavorings, which are then shaped into a ball and rolled in nuts. Put it on your party table alongside our easy buffalo chicken dip, pull-apart pigs in a blanket and this taco ring.
Ingredients needed for This Cheese Ball Recipe:
- 1 (8-ounce) block of cream cheese
- 1 jar Kraft Old English Cheese Spread
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 1 ½ to 2 cups pecans, chopped
Substitutions:
It’s easy to get creative with this recipe. Some classic pairings include making it with bacon or sausage, with ham, or with dried beef. You could add ranch seasoning to the cream cheese, or make it with no nuts.
My guys like to take this basic recipe and combine several flavors. Their favorite ideas include:
- bacon and ranch with cheddar cheese
- chives, dill, and scallions
- onions and dried beef
How to Make This Recipe:
Place all ingredients except the pecans into a medium-size bowl.
Using your hands work the ingredients together. The heat of your hands will help soften the cream cheese. Don’t overwork it though because it will make it too soft and not form a ball. Once combined, form the mixture into a ball.
Place some chopped pecans onto your surface. Place the ball onto the chopped pecans and using handfuls of the chopped pecans begin to press the rest of the pecans all over the cheese ball until it is covered.
Wrap the ball in plastic wrap and chill until firm.
What Do You Eat with a Cheese Ball?
Cheese ball appetizers pair perfectly with just about any type of cracker. You could also serve it on bread or with veggies.
How Do You Store a Cheese Ball?
First, wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap then in a layer of aluminum foil. Keeping the cheese ball well wrapped helps it keep its shape and also keeps it fresh.
How Long is a Homemade Cheese Ball Good For?
Check the expiration date of the ingredients you're using before you start. As long as everything is fresh, your cheese ball should last about two weeks when stored properly in the fridge.
I came across this yummy cheese ball recipe while digging through my grandma’s recipe box one afternoon. I was trying to find a quick appetizer idea for an upcoming party when I spied a card that was dirty and bent. Those old, smudged cards are always the best recipes. I knew it must be a delicious favorite and I couldn’t wait to try it. I hope you enjoy it too!
More Appetizer Ideas:
Our Favorite Dips:
Cheese Ball Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 8-ounce block of cream cheese
- 1 jar Kraft Old English Cheese
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon butter softened
- 1 ½ to 2 cups pecans chopped
Instructions
- Place all ingredients except the pecans into a medium-size bowl.
- Using your hands work the ingredients together. The heat of your hands will help soften the cream cheese. Don’t overwork it though because it will make it too soft and not form a ball.
- Form the mixture into a ball.
- Place some chopped pecans onto your surface.
- Place the ball onto the chopped pecans and using handfuls of the chopped pecans begin to press the rest of the pecans all over the cheese ball until it is covered.
- Wrap the ball in plastic wrap and chill until firm.
- Serve with assorted crackers.
How delicious! What a great appetizer for gatherings.