Classic Cheese Ball Recipe (2024)

This take on a classic cheese ball is crazy good! A zesty seasoned cream cheese & cheddar base is rolled in a bacon pecan crust.

It has all of the basic ingredients with tons of flavor, perfect for scooping with chips, crackers, and veggies!

Classic Cheese Ball Recipe (1)

A Classic for Good Reason

A cheese ball has been around a long time for good reason!

  • So much cheesy goodness and flavor!
  • It’s perfect for get-togethers because it can be made ahead of time.
  • This recipe is versatile, add in your fave seasonings, herbs, and cheeses!
  • It’s easy to make, no baking required!
  • It’s not just a dip, spread on a sandwich (or a bagel), add to a wrap withham or melt it with a bit of milk for an amazing pasta sauce!

Classic Cheese Ball Recipe (2)

How to Make a Cheese Ball

Cheese balls are easy to make. Garnish with extra sprigs of parsley or green onions and serve with crostini!

  1. Beat cream cheese with seasonings (per recipe below).
  2. Fold in cheddar cheese and half the bacon bits. Cover and chill.

Classic Cheese Ball Recipe (3)

  1. After the cream mixture has chilled (so it will hold its shape) roll it into a ball (or a cheese log) and roll in the bacon pecan topping.
  2. Chill again.

Serving Tip

Remove the cheese ball from the fridge about 30 minutes before serving. This allows it to soften enough for dipping.

If you’re serving with fragile crackers or chips, add a butter knife to the platter.

Classic Cheese Ball Recipe (4)

Tips to Make Ahead

Make classic cheese balls in advance and take them to a potluck or a party anytime the season calls for a tasty appetizer!

  • Cheese balls can be stored for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator if they are tightly wrapped (before rolling in the coating).
  • Freeze for up to two months and thaw in the fridge overnight.

Perfect Party Dishes

  • Pineapple Cheese Ball – a twist on a classic!
  • The Best Spinach Artichoke Dip – creamy cheesy goodness
  • Garlic Butter Steak Bites – use fresh or frozen steak
  • Blooming Onion Bites – with dipping sauce
  • Crispy Oven Baked Potato Skins
  • Shrimp co*cktail – a crowd favorite
  • Roasted Chestnuts
  • Antipasto Skewers – so easy to make
  • Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms – ready in 30 minutes

Did you make this Cheese Ball recipe? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!

Classic Cheese Ball Recipe (5)

5 from 23 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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Classic Cheese Ball Recipe

Cheese Balls are so easy to make, and are full of savory flavors! Serve with crackers or veggies for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

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ReviewPrint

Classic Cheese Ball Recipe (6)

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Chill Time 2 hours hours 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 2 hours hours 55 minutes minutes

Classic Cheese Ball Recipe (7)

Servings 24 servings

Classic Cheese Ball Recipe (8)

Author Holly Nilsson

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces cream cheese softened
  • cup sour cream
  • 1 green onion thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese finely shredded
  • ¾ cup bacon bits or crumbled bacon, divided
  • ½ cup pecans
  • 1 tablespoon parsley finely chopped

Instructions

  • Bake pecans in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until fragrant. Cool completely and chop.

  • Meanwhile, place cream cheese in a bowl and beat with a hand mixer until fluffy.

  • Add sour cream, green onion, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Beat until combined. Stir in cheddar cheese and ½ cup bacon bits. Chill in the fridge for 2 hours or up to 24 hours.

  • Remove from the fridge and shape into a ball. Combine remaining ¼ cup bacon, chopped pecans, and parsley on a small plate. Roll the cheeseball in the mixture pressing to adhere. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes.

  • Remove from the refrigerator at least 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Start with softened cream cheese (this can also be done in the microwave for about 10 seconds or so).
  • Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor.
  • If desired, a packet of ranch mix can replace the seasonings in this recipe.
  • If using store-bought real bacon bits, microwave them on a paper towel until crisp and cool.

Be sure to refrigerate the cheese mixture before forming it into a ball or it won't hold its shape.

To make-ahead, prepare cheese ball but do not roll in the topping. Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, roll in pecan mixture as directed.

5 from 23 votes

Nutrition Information

Serving: 2tablespoons | Calories: 140 | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 185mg | Potassium: 68mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 387IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 92mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Classic Cheese Ball Recipe (9) Course Appetizer, Dip, Party Food, Snack

© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.

Categories:

Appetizer Recipes, Christmas, Dips and Dressings, Holidays, Low Carb, Recipes

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About the author

Holly is a wine and cheese lover, recipe creator, shopping enthusiast and self appointed foodie. Her greatest passion is creating in the kitchen and making deliciously comforting recipes for the everyday home cook!
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Classic Cheese Ball Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is a cheese ball made of? ›

Cheese balls are traditionally made with two kinds of cheese – cream cheese (or another soft cheese like quark cheese, mascarpone or ricotta) and a grated semi-soft or semi-firm cheese like cheddar, colby cheese, monterey jack cheese, or muenster.

How long will a homemade cheese ball last in the refrigerator? ›

Storing in Fridge: If you start with fresh ingredients, you can store the cheese ball in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Cover any leftovers with plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. How to Freeze: I prefer a freshly made cheese ball, BUT you can freeze cheese balls.

What is the white cheese that is a ball? ›

Bocconcini (Italian: [bokkonˈtʃiːni]; sg. : bocconcino, Italian: [bokkonˈtʃiːno]; English: "small mouthful") are small mozzarella cheese balls.

Who made the original cheese ball? ›

"According to legend," writes Michelle Buffardi, author of Great Balls of Cheese, "the first cheese ball in recorded history was made in 1801 by Elisha Brown, Jr. on his farm and presented to President Thomas Jefferson" at the White House.

Why are cheese balls addicting? ›

Cheeslings are addictive because they combine cheese, salt and crunchiness, which are all factors that can make want to eat more. They are also high in calories, fat, sodium and artificial flavors, which can have negative effects on our health if consumed in excess.

Can I freeze a homemade cheese ball? ›

Cheese balls freeze quite well. Again, it's best to wrap the cheese ball in one layer of plastic wrap, then one layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to four weeks. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Does a cheese ball need to be refrigerated overnight? ›

Storing: A cheese ball should be stored in the refrigerator and will stay fresh for several days or up to 2 weeks depending on the freshness of your ingredients. To estimate how long your cheese ball will stay fresh, first notice the expiration date on the ingredients you are using.

What are Utz cheese balls made of? ›

They are made with coarsely ground corn meal that's deposited into an extruder, which exerts enough pressure onto the corn meal to turn it into a gel. The gel is squeezed into a long string and cut into bite-sized pieces.

What is the expensive ball of cheese? ›

Pule Cheese - $600 Per Pound

Pule cheese is the most expensive cheese in the world because it is produced exclusively at Serbia's Zasavica Special Nature Reserve. This rare cheese is made from the milk of Balkan donkeys which are endangered and native to Serbia and Montenegro.

What is cheese in a ball called? ›

Cheese ball or Cheeseball may refer to: Bocconcini, mozzarella cheese balls. Cheese puffs, a processed snack made from puffed corn and cheese, sometimes ball-shaped. Cheese spread, usually served around Christmas in the United States and Canada. Cheese ball (hors d'oeuvre), an American style of cheese spread.

Are cheese balls healthy? ›

Are cheese balls healthy? Cheese balls can be a tasty snack, but they are not considered to be a healthy choice. They are often high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium, which should be consumed in moderation.

What are the best crackers for cheese ball? ›

What to Serve with Cheese Ball. That's an important question and I obviously have a strong opinion. Here are some options: Crackers – Ritz Crackers, Wheat Thins, Multi-Grain, Milton's.

What is the difference between cheese puffs and cheese balls? ›

For one, while Puffs and Balls are equally airy during the first bite, Cheese Balls maintain their delightful crunch throughout the chewing process. The Puffs, on the other hand, immediately melt and stick to anything and everything.

How long can a cheese ball sit out? ›

The U.S. Department of Health doesn't recommend keeping any perishable food sitting out of the fridge for more than two hours — and that's certainly the case for soft cheeses, like cottage or cream cheese, brie, or fresh mozzarella.

Is cheese ball good for health? ›

Cheese balls are healthy? Beyond delicious, the cheese balls have a good balance of nutrients, with high-quality carbs and fat, rich in proteins, minerals, and vitamins. So, we can certainly say it's a healthy and nutritious snack.

Is it okay to eat cheese balls? ›

An irresistible snack, cheese balls are usually served as appetisers. But these delectable balls can cause hyperglycemia or a spike in blood sugar levels. This is because they have simple carbohydrates, especially in the coating that has flour.

Are cheese puff balls healthy? ›

Eating too many cheese puffs can lead to several health risks, including: Weight gain: Cheese puffs are high in calories, and excessive consumption can contribute to weight gain. Unhealthy fats: Cheese puffs are often high in saturated and trans fats, which can increase the risk of heart disease.

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