This Cheeseball is the MVP of Easy Appetizers
I can’t think of a more classic appetizer for the holidays than this cheeseball recipe. I love how I can prep it up to a week in advance and just pull it out of the fridge and plate it when it’s ready to serve. Ignore the bland, flavorless cheese balls in the grocery store–this one is PACKED full of flavor from the cheese, Worcestershire, spices, and a little hot sauce. I have even gifted cheeseballs as neighbor holiday gifts, and I love making mini cheese ball bites for a big holiday appetizer spread.How to Make a Homemade Cheese Ball
Combine: Beat cream cheese until smooth then incorporate remaining ingredients. High quality ingredients make a high quality cheese ball, so make sure to buy a block of cheese and grate it yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Use a spatula to form the cheese mixture into a ball. Spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray as needed so it doesn’t stick.
Cover in Nuts: Use whatever nuts you like best, but make sure they are chopped finely. While holding the cheese ball in one hand, use your other hand to gently scoop and press the chopped nuts on all the way around the ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
Serve: Arrange cheese ball on a platter surrounded by crackers, vegetables, pretzels, or pita bread. Make sure you have a cheese spreading knife! If you use a cracker straight into it, it will break into pieces!
Simple Cheese Ball Recipe
Serves 24- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese (avoid pre-shredded cheese)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried oregano
- dash freshly ground black pepper
- 2/3 cup pecans, finely chopped
Form into ball: Use a rubber spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl and gather the mixture into one lump. Lightly grease your hands and form the mixture into a round ball.
Coat with nuts: Place the pecans on a plate. Hold the cheese ball in one hand and use the other hand to scoop the pecans onto the outside of the ball, pressing them in gently and turning the ball to coat all sides.
Notes
*Use a spreading knife to serve the cheeseball. If you dip your cracker straight into the ball, chances are it will break.Cream Cheese: Regular or low fat will work fine.
Cheddar Cheese: My personal preference for this recipe is sharp cheddar. Make sure to buy the block and grate it yourself instead of the pre-shredded stuff. It makes a big difference in both flavor and texture.
Nuts: could substitute almonds or another finely chopped nut, or leave the nuts out completely and use bacon bits, chopped green onion, or Craisins.
Make Ahead Instructions: Prep the cheeseball and form into a ball, but don’t add the nuts on the outside. Wrap in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container or bag in the refrigerator for up to a week (depending on how fresh your ingredients are). Coat it in nuts an hour before you serve it and refrigerate until serving.
Storing Instructions: A cheese ball needs to be stored in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for several days or up to 2 weeks, depending on how fresh your ingredients are. Look at the expiration dates for the ingredients you are using, if you recently purchased them, it should last for about 2 weeks when kept in the refrigerator.
