The recipe prices will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. Please use what is posted as a guide.
Our top-rated cheese ball recipe is a creamy, crowd-pleasing classic. It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion!
Table of Contents
What makes this the Best Cheese Ball Recipe
- Easy To Make: This homemade cheese ball requires only a few steps and ingredients and comes together quickly, making it a convenient recipe for any occasion.
- Crowd Favorite: This must-have appetizer is always the first thing eaten at parties and other events. Everyone loves it and will be asking for the recipe.
- Versatile: This recipe is perfect as an appetizer for a holiday party, a snack for game nights, an afternoon snack, your next party, or any other event.
Cheese Ball Ingredients & Estimated Cost
- 16 ounces cream cheese – $3.18
- 8 ounces Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese – $2.22
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce – $0.02
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder – $0.01
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley – $0.16
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder – $0.01
- 1/2 cup pecans – $1.62
The cost of the recipe is calculated based on the amounts needed. To learn more about how we price our recipes, see Budget Recipes Explained. The pricing for this recipe was updated in February 2024.
How To Make A Cheese Ball
- Combine all cheese mixture ingredients in a bowl.
- Mix well and shape into a ball.
- Prepare the coating, then roll the ball in it.
- Wrap, chill until firm, and serve with crackers/veggies.
***For complete recipe instructions and a recipe video, see the recipe card below.
Recipe Variations
- Customize your cheese: Swap cheddar for any shreddable cheese you like.
- Boost the flavor: Add bacon and chives/green onions for a savory kick.
What to serve with this Easy Cheese Ball Recipe
Don’t limit yourself to just crackers, carrots, and celery sticks! Some creative ideas for dippers that work well with this cheese ball include pretzels, pita chips, apple slices, and even oven-roasted potato wedges for a delightful cheese ball experience.
How do you store this recipe for Cheese Ball?
Wrap any leftovers from the cheeseball in a large piece of plastic wrap store in an airtight container in the fridge to help it stay fresh.
How long does a cheese ball stay good in the refrigerator?
This cheese ball will stay fresh in the fridge for up to one week. You can make this recipe and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve it. Make it the day before, and we think it tastes even better the next day after the flavors truly have a chance to marry together overnight.
Storage Tips
Serve: Enjoy at room temp for up to 2 hours.
Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for 1-3 months.
Defrost: Thaw at room temp (2-4 hours) or overnight in the fridge.
Simple Cheese Ball Recipe FAQs
Our cheese ball combines cream cheese, cheese, and a few spices, including Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, parsley, and garlic powder. The ball is then coated in nuts. We use pecans in this recipe.
Traditionally, crackers and veggies are found on a cheese ball platter. However, you can also serve pretzels, pita chips, apple slices, and oven-roasted potato wedges as delicious options.
Before making this cheese ball, set the cream cheese out to soften at room temperature. This will make mixing with the other ingredients easier before forming the cheese ball.
After chilling the cheese ball for one to two hours, allow it to soften at room temperature for a few minutes. This will help ensure the cheese ball is not so hard to serve with veggies and crackers.
If your cheese ball is not firm enough, try putting it in the fridge for another hour or two. If it is still not thick enough, add some additional pre-shredded cheese and cream cheese and let it chill for another hour or two up to overnight to help thicken it.
Our ultimate favorite is Ritz crackers. However, some of our other favorite crackers include pita chips, wheat thins, pretzel chips, and triscuits. You want to choose a little firmer cracker to hold the weight of the cheese ball spread.
Get kids involved in making this Cream Cheese Ball
Ages 2-3: Little sous chefs can join in by pouring ingredients into the mixing bowl for the cheese mixture.
Ages 4-5: Level up their measuring skills! Let them help measure out the ingredients for the cheese mixture and lend a hand in forming the ball.
Ages 6-8: Time to get messy! They can take charge of shaping the cheese mixture into a ball and rolling it in the yummy coating.
Ages 9-11: Encourage independence! Supervise them as they follow the recipe, and have them read it twice before starting for ultimate success.
Ages 12+: Unleash the master chef! They can tackle the entire recipe independently while you (proudly) observe and enjoy the delicious results.
Cheese Ball Recipe – Easy Budget Tips
- Feed a crowd for less! This $10 appetizer is perfect for any gathering without breaking the bank.
- The recipe prices will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. Please use what is posted as a guide.
- $7.22 is about what it costs to make this Cheese Ball Recipe, which serves twenty-four. That works out to cost approximately $0.30 per serving.
- We love affordable and easy appetizers like this. Other favorites include these Pretzel Bites, Rotel Sausage Dip, and Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs.
More from Easy Budget Recipes
Best Cheese Ball Ever
Equipment
- large bowl
- spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Medium bowl
- measuring cup
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Cream Cheese softened
- 8 ounces Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh parsley divided
- ½ cup finely chopped Pecans
Instructions
MAKE CHEESE MIXTURE:
- In a large mixing bowl, add cream cheese. Mix with a spatula until smooth.
- Stir in cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon fresh parsley.
- Shape the cheese mixture into a ball.
MAKE CHEESE BALL COATING:
- In a medium bowl, mix parsley and chopped pecans.
COAT BALL:
- Roll the cheese ball into the coating. Use your hands to make sure that the ball is evenly coated in the coating.
CHILL AND SERVE:
- Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and chill until firm, about 1-2 hours. Serve with crackers and veggies.
Carrie Robinson says
You can never go wrong with a homemade cheese ball for holiday entertaining! 🙂
Jess Jankowski says
Totally agree!
Jessica Formicola says
You can’t beat a classic cheeseball! This one looks incredible and I will definitely be making it for the holidays!
Jess Jankowski says
It isn’t the holidays without a cheeseball!
Alison says
Cheeseballs are so classic this time of year! I love the crunchy pecan and parsley topping! It adds a nice dimension!
Sue says
The perfect appetizer – every body likes a cheese ball!
Emily Liao says
This cheeseball was so good! Will definitely be making this over the holidays
Raquel says
Love how easy this is to make and it is so inexpensive!
Jess Jankowski says
Agreed! Thanks for stopping by!