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The Best Classic Cheese Ball Recipe: Easy Make-Ahead Party Appetizer

A creamy cheese ball recipe covered in chopped pecans, with a scoop removed to show the texture inside, resting on a white plate.
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This is the classic cheese ball recipe you need for any gathering. It uses simple ingredients like cream cheese and cheddar, comes together fast, and is a guaranteed crowd pleaser for holidays or game day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans (for coating)

Instructions

  1. Combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
  2. Mix the ingredients thoroughly with a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This is your base.
  3. Place the chopped pecans on a shallow plate or baking sheet.
  4. Scoop the cheese mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Shape the mixture into a ball using your hands.
  5. Roll the cheese ball in the chopped pecans until it is completely coated on all sides.
  6. Wrap the coated cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap.
  7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 3 days, to allow the flavors to meld and the ball to firm up. This is the make-ahead step.
  8. Before serving, place the chilled cheese ball on a serving platter. Serve with crackers, pretzels, or vegetable sticks.

Notes

  • For a different texture, you can substitute the pecans with crushed pretzels or dried parsley for coating.
  • If you need to soften the cream cheese quickly, microwave it on 20% power for 10-second intervals.
  • This recipe works well as a simple cheese log if you skip the shaping step and just form it into a log shape on plastic wrap.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenslang.com/easy-cheese-ball-recipe-classic-party-appetizer/