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bacon bit covered cheese ball on a plate with gluten free crackers and a knife in the cheese ball
Joanna

Cheese Ball Recipe: An Easy Classic with Cream Cheese

This classic cheese ball recipe is one of those crowd-favorite appetizers that never goes out of style. Made with blocks of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, it’s the kind of delicious appetizer that shows up year after year for good reason.
Shape the cheese ball into a round for a classic look, a football for game day, or fun shapes like a snowman or Christmas tree. As written, it makes a large cheese ball but you can easily half it for smaller gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 16 2 tablespoons
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 148
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 8 ounce Cream Cheese Blocks softened
  • 8 ounces Sharp Cheddar Cheese Shredded
  • 1/2 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Mayonaise
  • 1/4 cup Green Onions Diced
  • Pinch Fresh Cracked Black Pepper
Cheese Ball Toppings
  • 3 ounces Bacon Bits
  • 1 tablespoon Green Onions Diced
  • 1 tablespoon Mild Cheddar Cheese Shredded

Equipment

Method
 

  1. Combine: Add all of the cheese ball ingredients to the bowl of a stand mixer.
    2 8 ounce Cream Cheese Blocks, 8 ounces Sharp Cheddar Cheese, 1/2 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese, 1/2 cup Mayonaise, 1/4 cup Green Onions, Pinch Fresh Cracked Black Pepper
  2. Alternatively, place them in a large bowl and use a hand mixer to mix until well combined.
  3. Cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  4. Spoon the mixture onto a serving plate and use your hands to shape it into a smooth ball or into a football shape for game day.
  5. Add the toppings and gently press them into the cheese ball so they are evenly distributed.
    3 ounces Bacon Bits, 1 tablespoon Green Onions, 1 tablespoon Mild Cheddar Cheese
  6. Arrange crackers or other serving options around the cheese ball on the plate, enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 148kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 6gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 288mgPotassium: 29mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 201IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 151mgIron: 0.1mg

Notes

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.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!