Cheese Ball

Cheese balls are one of those timeless, crowd-pleasing appetizers that always seem to bring a little joy to the table. Simple to make and endlessly customizable, they’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or quiet evenings with a good book and a box of crackers. Whether rolled in herbs, nuts, dried fruit, or left beautifully plain, cheese balls offer the perfect balance of creamy, savory comfort. They’re easy to shape, fun to decorate, and best of all, delicious in every form.

Tried and True

Over the years, I’ve tried all sorts of cheese ball recipes. Some classic, some creative, some a little questionable, but I always seem to return to my tried-and-true favorite. It’s the one my family asks for time and time again. However, for our Single Adult Progressive Christmas Dinner, I needed a lemon-free option due to an allergy, so my go-to recipe had to sit this one out. I tested a new version for the event and while it was good, it still didn’t quite live up to the beloved original. Still, just in case someone at the dinner fell in love with it, I’ll be sharing both recipes here so you can choose your new favorite.

Nuts, Fruit, Herbs, Plain

One of the things I adore about cheese balls is how wonderfully flexible they are. You can roll them in nuts, dried fruit, or herbs, whatever suits the occasion; or leave them just as they are for a simpler presentation. Shape them into one large cheese ball, two medium ones, or my personal favorite: tiny individual servings that guests can grab and enjoy.

Cozy Charm

No matter how you choose to prepare or serve them, cheese balls always bring a touch of cozy charm to the table and they never fail to be a crowd-pleaser.

Cheese Ball Tried-and-True Favorite

I can get about 40 individual servings with my little cookie scoop from this recipe

Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

  • 8 oz old cheddar, grated

  • 1 tablespoon chopped pimentos (optional)

  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped green pepper

  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

  • Dash of cayenne pepper

  • Dash of salt

  • Chopped walnuts or parsley, for rolling

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese and grated cheddar until smooth and well blended.

  2. Add the pimentos (if using), green pepper, onion, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

  3. Divide the mixture into two equal portions and shape each into a ball.

  4. Roll each cheese ball in chopped walnuts or parsley until fully coated.

  5. Chill until firm, then serve with crackers, vegetables, or your favourite dippers.

Cranberry, Pecan & Herb Mini Cheese Balls

Ingredients

  • 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened

  • 4 oz mascarpone cheese, softened

  • 6 oz sharp white cheddar, finely grated

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1/3 cup finely chopped pecans (regular or candied)

  • 1/3 cup chopped dried cranberries

  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced chives

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese and mascarpone until smooth and thoroughly combined.

  2. Add the grated cheddar, along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the mixture is well incorporated.

  3. Roll the cheese mixture into bite-sized balls.

  4. Place the chopped pecans and cranberries on separate plates. In a third dish, combine the chives and parsley.

  5. Roll one-third of the cheese balls in the pecans, one-third in the cranberries, and the remaining third in the herb mixture.

  6. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Original recipe found at Dinner at the Zoo