This Easy Cheese Ball recipe is a show-stopping appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion! Made with a satisfying blend of cheese and seasonings and rolled in a festive mix of dried cranberries, chopped nuts, and fresh herbs, it’s packed full of flavor and texture. Serve it with crackers and watch it disappear in no time!

Need more easy appetizers to take to your holiday party? Try these crowd pleasers: Cranberry Brie Bites and Christmas Deviled Eggs.

A cheese ball on a plate with crackers. A hand is dipping a cracker into the cheeseball.

before you get started / kelley’s tips

  • Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before getting started. This will make it so much easier to blend!
  • Customize the Toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Swap dried cranberries for chopped dried apricots or nuts for crushed pretzels if you want to switch things up.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare the cheese ball a day in advance to let the flavors meld. Add the toppings just before serving to keep them fresh.
  • Serve at Room Temperature: Let the cheese ball sit out for about 15 minutes before serving so it’s easier to spread.
Three white bowls with toppings for the cheeseball: cranberries, walnuts, and parsley.

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    ingredients needed

    • Cream Cheese: The creamy base of this cheese ball gives it a smooth, velvety texture that’s perfect for spreading. Neufchatel cheese can also be used if you want a lower-fat option.
    • Sour Cream: Adds a subtle tanginess that balances the richness of the cream cheese.
    • Worcestershire Sauce: Infuses the cheese ball with a savory, umami flavor for added depth.
    • Garlic Powder: Brings a warm, garlicky kick that enhances every bite.
    • Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded for the best taste and texture.
    • Toppings: I use a combination of dried cranberries, nuts and a mix of green onions and parsley!

    how to make an easy cheese ball

    1. Add cream cheese, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, scallions, and garlic powder to a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until everything is combined.
    Cheese ball ingredients whipped together in a bowl.
    1. Fold in the cheddar cheese by hand.
    2. Form the mixture into a large ball. It will get messy so sometimes gloves help! Also if it is sticking to your hands you can wet them or refrigerate the mixture for 15 minutes before rolling.
    Cheese ball ingredients in a bowl with an ice cream scoop.
    1. In a shallow bowl combine cranberries, nuts, scallions and parsley.
    2. Roll the cheese ball in the toppings. I like to then roll the cheeseball in my hands again to get the toppings to stick.
    Cheeseball in a bowl with walnuts. Bowls with cranberries and parsley are in the background.
    1. Roll the cheeseball up in plastic wrap and store in the fridge until your are ready to serve! Enjoy with crackers and veggies!
    A cheeseball on a plate with crackers.

    How to Store the cheese ball

    • In the Fridge: Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
    • In the Freezer: To store for longer, wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving and add toppings just before serving for the freshest look and taste.
    • Before Topping: If you plan to make the cheese ball ahead of time, you can mix and shape it, but hold off on adding the toppings until just before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy.

    SERVING SUGGESTIONS

    • Crackers: Offer a variety of crackers like buttery Ritz, crispy wheat crackers, or seeded options for different textures and flavors.
    • Veggie Sticks: Serve with celery, carrot sticks, cucumber rounds, or bell pepper slices for a fresh and crunchy pairing.
    • Bread: Pair with sliced baguette, bagels chips, or toasted crostini for a hearty option.
    • Fruits: Add a sweet contrast with apple slices, pear wedges, or grapes on the side.
    • Charcuterie Board: Use the cheese ball on a festive charcuterie board with meats, cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits for an elegant spread.
    A top down view of a cheeseball on a plate with crackers.

    frequently asked questions

    What can I use instead of nuts for the coating?

    If you’re avoiding nuts, try crushed pretzels, crackers, sesame seeds, or extra chopped herbs like parsley.

    What kind of cheese works best?

    Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal for bold flavor, but you can experiment with smoked cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack for a twist.

    more holiday appetizers to try!

    Easy Cheese Ball

    Rate Print
    This Easy Cheese Ball recipe is a show-stopping appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion! Made with a satisfying blend of cheese and seasonings and rolled in a festive mix of dried cranberries, chopped nuts, and fresh herbs, it's packed full of flavor and texture. Serve it with crackers, veggie sticks, or slices of baguette, and watch it disappear in no time!
    Servings: 10 servings
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Chilling Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes

    Ingredients 

    Toppings

    • 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
    • 1/4 cup nuts, chopped
    • tbsp green onions, chopped
    • tbsp parsley, chopped

    Instructions 

    • Add cream cheese, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, scallions and garlic powder to a stand mixer with the paddle attachment.
      Mix on medium speed until everything is combined.
    • Fold in the cheddar cheese by hand.
    • Form the mixture into a large ball. It will get messy so sometimes gloves help! Also if it is sticking to your hands you can wet them or refrigerate the mixture for 15 minutes before rolling.
    • In a shallow bowl combine cranberries, nuts, scallions and parsley.
    • Roll the cheese ball in the toppings. I like to then roll the cheeseball in my hands again to get the toppings to stick.
    • Roll the cheeseball up in plastic wrap and store in the fridge until your are ready to serve!
      Enjoy with crackers and veggies!

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 133kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 162mgPotassium: 61mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 458IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 108mgIron: 0.2mg

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