Name: Cheese Ball
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 2–3 tbsp chopped green onions or chives; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/3 cup chopped dried cranberries or parsley (for coating); 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for coating)

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This Christmas cheese ball is a festive, flavorful appetizer that’s creamy, savory, and always a hit at holiday gatherings. Shaped into a cheerful ball and coated in herbs, nuts, or dried cranberries, it’s the perfect make-ahead dish I like to serve with crackers, veggies, or even pretzels.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy this cheese ball is to put together, yet it looks so festive and fancy on the table. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor from a blend of cheeses and mix-ins. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable. I make it ahead of time and just pull it out when guests arrive—stress-free and always devoured.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cream cheese, softened
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Worcestershire sauce
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Chopped green onions or chives
Chopped dried cranberries or parsley (for coating)
Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for coating)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

In a mixing bowl, I beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
I add the shredded cheddar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, green onions, and a pinch of salt and pepper. I mix until well combined.
I scoop the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap and shape it into a ball using the wrap to help mold it.
I refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 2 hours to firm up (or overnight).
Once chilled, I roll the cheese ball in a coating of chopped herbs, dried cranberries, nuts, or a mix of them for texture and festive color.
I place it on a serving plate and let it soften slightly before serving with crackers or sliced vegetables.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8–10 as an appetizer. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and at least 2 hours to chill.

Variations

I sometimes add diced jalapeños for a smoky or spicy version.
Blue cheese, gouda, or pepper jack can be swapped in for a twist.
For a sweet-and-savory option, I mix in a little honey and use candied pecans on the outside.
To make it extra festive, I shape it into a pinecone or wreath and garnish with rosemary sprigs.

Storage/Reheating

I store the cheese ball wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s best served slightly softened, so I let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving. This recipe is not suitable for freezing, as the texture may change.

FAQs

Can I make the cheese ball ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it a day or two in advance and keep it wrapped in the fridge until ready to serve.

What should I serve with a cheese ball?

I like to offer buttery crackers, pretzels, crostini, and sliced veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

I prefer freshly shredded cheese because it melts into the mixture better and has a smoother texture, but pre-shredded works in a pinch.

How do I make the cheese ball firmer?

Chilling it for several hours or overnight helps it firm up. If it’s still too soft, I add more shredded cheese to the mix.

Can I make this cheese ball nut-free?

Yes, I skip the nuts and roll it in fresh herbs, cranberries, or crushed crackers instead.

Conclusion

This Christmas cheese ball is a creamy, flavorful, and festive appetizer that I love making year after year. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare, beautiful to serve, and perfect for kicking off any holiday celebration.