Cheese Ball Recipe: An Easy Classic with Cream Cheese

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Recipe Ingredients for a Classic Cheese Ball for Parties

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Ingredients You’ll Need

This cream cheese ball starts with a smooth, well-balanced cream cheese mixture that’s easy to mix and full of flavor.

• Blocks of cream cheese – Always use full blocks and let them soften to room temperature for the best texture.
• Sharp cheddar cheese – A sharp cheese adds much flavor without overpowering.
• Parmesan Reggiano – Adds depth and a savory bite.
• Mayonnaise – Keeps the mixture creamy and spreadable.
• Green onions – Fresh flavor and adds color.
• Black pepper – Fresh cracked makes a difference.
• Bacon bits – Salty, savory, and classic.

This recipe also works well as a base for different flavors if you want to experiment later with pepper jack, goat cheese, or other different types of cheese. You can even add a splash of hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder if you’d like, but it’s delicious just as written.

How to Make Cheese Ball Recipe: Step By Step Instructions

Here are some quick visual instructions. Remember that full instructions with exact ingredients will be in the recipe card below!

This simple recipe comes together quickly with minimal tools.

1. First thing, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature. Combine all cream cheese, sharp cheddar, parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, green onions (minus the reserved portion for topping) and black pepper

2. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, mix on medium speed until smooth and fully combined.

3: Scrape down the sides and form into a loose ball in the bottom of the mixing bowl.  

4: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours for the flavors to blend.

5. Once chilled, transfer the cheese ball mixture onto your serving plate and shape it into a round ball or a football shape, if desired.

6. Add toppings, then gently press toppings into the cheese ball being sure to evenly distribute them all over. Serve with gluten free crackers and enjoy!

Recipes Tips and Notes for Cheese Ball Recipe

• Football Shape Option
  • For game day, shape the mixture into a football-style shape instead of a round. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill until firm. Before serving, you can score light lines across the top or add thin strips of cheese or pimento pepper strips for a laces look, a fun way to turn this into an easy football game appetizer or Super Bowl snack.
• You can substitute the bacon topping with chopped pecans, walnuts, almonds, or finely chopped fresh herbs.

Make-Ahead Tips, Storage & Food Safety

This is one of my favorite make-ahead appetizers.

• Store the cheese ball wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container
• Keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• For food safety, don’t leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours
• If making ahead, wait to garnish until just before serving for the best appearance

It’s perfect for the holiday season when you want something reliable and stress-free.

Gluten-Free Serving Options

If you’re serving this cheese ball to gluten-free guests, there are plenty of easy and naturally gluten-free ways to enjoy it without feeling limited.

Naturally gluten-free options:

• Celery sticks
• Carrot sticks
• Bell pepper strips
• Cucumber slices

Gluten-free cracker and chip options:

• Gluten-free buttery crackers
• Gluten-free pretzel sticks
• Certified gluten-free tortilla chips
• Gluten-free pita-style chips or crackers

Variations & Creative Ideas

This classic recipe is also a great starting point if you want to switch things up:

• Roll the outside in chopped nuts, bacon, or poppy seeds
• Make smaller cheese balls for individual serving platters
• Try flavor inspiration like a jalapeño popper cheese ball or even a dried beef cheese ball
• Use this base as inspiration for other cheesy appetizers like spinach artichoke dip

It’s a fun way to customize one great recipe for different occasions.

Allergy Notes

This recipe is naturally nut-free, making it a safe option for guests with a nut allergy. Always double-check crackers and toppings to be sure they meet your guests’ needs.

I hope you love this Cheese Ball Recipe as much as I do. If you try it, let me know in the comments below, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!

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