A Cheese Ball is a classic, easy-to-make appetizer that’s perfect for parties, holidays, or game day! Here’s a simple and tasty recipe for a delicious cheese ball:
Ingredients:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions or chives
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper (optional, for a pop of color)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds), for rolling (optional)
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or dill) for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella (if using), chopped green onions, red bell pepper (if using), Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Use a hand mixer or spatula to mix everything together until smooth and fully combined. The mixture should be creamy and easy to shape.
- Form the Cheese Ball:
- Once the cheese mixture is well combined, use your hands or a spatula to form it into a ball. If you prefer, you can make it into a log shape instead of a ball.
- Roll in Nuts (Optional):
- Spread the chopped nuts out on a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Carefully roll the cheese ball in the nuts, pressing gently to make sure they stick to the surface of the ball. You can also roll the cheese ball in a mixture of herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor.
- Chill:
- Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. Chilling helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to serve.
- Serve:
- Once chilled, remove the cheese ball from the fridge and place it on a serving platter.
- Serve with crackers, sliced veggies (like carrots, celery, or cucumber), or pretzels for dipping.
Tips:
- Flavor variations: You can mix in other ingredients like crumbled bacon, chopped olives, or sun-dried tomatoes for a different twist.
- Make-ahead: The cheese ball can be made 1-2 days in advance, making it great for prepping ahead of time.
- Nuts: If you’re allergic to nuts or prefer not to use them, you can skip the nut coating and roll the cheese ball in fresh herbs instead.
This cheesy, savory appetizer is always a crowd-pleaser and will be the first thing to disappear at your next gathering! Enjoy! 🧀