A retro party favorite, this cheese ball is creamy, savory, and perfect for holiday gatherings. Roll it in nuts or herbs for a festive finish.
Author:Caroline Hayes
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:0 min
Total Time:2 hr 20 min
Yield:1 cheese ball (about 12 servings) 1x
Category:Appetizer
Method:No Bake
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled (optional)
1/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts, plus more for coating
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley, plus more for coating
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled blue cheese (if using). Mix until well combined.
Stir in the 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, 2 tablespoons chopped chives or parsley, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to shape.
On a clean surface, spread out additional chopped nuts and/or chopped chives/parsley for coating.
Scoop the cheese mixture from the bowl and shape it into a ball using your hands.
Gently roll the cheese ball in the chopped nuts and/or herbs until it is evenly coated on all sides.
Transfer the coated cheese ball to a serving plate. Cover loosely with plastic wrap.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheese ball to firm up.
Serve with crackers, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks.
Notes
For a smoother texture, you can use a food processor to combine the cheeses and flavorings.
If you don’t like blue cheese, you can omit it or substitute with more cheddar cheese.
Other coating options include paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, or a mix of dried herbs.
This cheese ball can be made up to 2 days in advance.