Cheese Balls Recipe: The Classic Party Appetizer That Never Goes Out of Style
This classic Cheese Balls Recipe combines cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and savory seasonings into a creamy, tangy spread coated with your choice of toasted pecans, crispy bacon, or herbs. Perfect for parties, holidays, and gatherings, this make-ahead appetizer takes just 20 minutes of active prep and serves a crowd. Customize with endless flavor variations and coating options!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus 3-4 hours chilling time)
- Yield: 1 large cheese ball (serves 12-16)
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Party Food
- Method: No-Cook, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Base:
- 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (8 oz)
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Coating (choose one):
- 1½ cups chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- ¾ cup everything bagel seasoning
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Or other coating of choice
For Serving:
- Assorted crackers, vegetables, pretzels
Instructions
- Soften ingredients: Leave cream cheese, butter, and shredded cheese at room temperature 30-60 minutes until completely soft.
- Mix base: Beat cream cheese, cheddar, sour cream, and butter with electric mixer until smooth and completely combined (2-3 minutes).
- Add seasonings: Mix in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper until evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- First chill: Cover and refrigerate 1-2 hours until firm enough to shape.
- Shape: Form chilled mixture into a ball or log using plastic wrap to help shape. Work quickly with cold, damp hands.
- Coat: Roll shaped cheese ball in your chosen coating, pressing firmly so coating adheres all over surface.
- Final chill: Wrap tightly and refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to 3 days (overnight is ideal).
- Serve: Remove from fridge 15-20 minutes before serving. Place on platter with crackers and serve with spreading knife.
Notes
- Room temperature ingredients are essential for smooth mixing
- Toast nuts before using for coating—intensifies flavor
- Taste mixture before shaping to adjust seasoning
- Can be made 3 days ahead; flavor improves with time
- Freezes beautifully for up to 2 months (freeze before coating)
- Shred your own cheese for better texture
- Overnight chilling allows flavors to meld perfectly
- Customize with endless coating and flavor variations
- Makes great gifts when wrapped decoratively