10 Best Cheese Ball Recipes Worth Making

Cheese balls might be one of the most underrated appetizers out there. They’re quick to put together, endlessly adaptable, and always seem to vanish the moment they hit the table. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday party, hosting a casual get-together, or just want something snackable in the fridge, a good cheese ball can save the day.

This list covers 10 tried-and-true variations – from the familiar cheddar and cream cheese blend to more creative twists. You’ll find flavor ideas, serving tips, and some practical advice to make sure yours turns out as good as it looks.

And if you want to keep track of these recipes without juggling screenshots or scribbled notes, we’ve got you covered. In our ReciMe app, you can save everything in one spot so you can pull up any cheese ball version whenever you need it. You can sort them into a cheese ball collection, add ingredients straight to your grocery list, and even adjust the serving sizes if you’re making a big batch for a party or a smaller one for just a few people.

1. Ham-Cheddar Cheese Ball

This version brings together the familiar pairing of ham and cheddar in a smooth, spreadable form. The ham is blended until fine, then mixed with shredded cheddar and cream cheese for a creamy base. Chopped pecans on the outside give it some crunch, and a strip of Swiss cheese can be added for decoration if you want a football theme. It works well with crackers, fresh vegetables, or pretzels.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound thinly sliced deli ham
• 1/2 medium onion, cut into wedges
• 2 cups finely shredded cheddar cheese
• 16 ounces cream cheese, cubed
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 slice Swiss cheese (optional, for garnish)

How to make:

Place ham and onion in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add the cheddar and process until blended. Mix in the cream cheese and process until smooth. Shape into the desired form, press pecans into the surface, and cover. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving. If using Swiss cheese for decoration, cut into strips and place on top before serving.

2. Classic Cheese Ball

This is a straightforward option that starts with cream cheese and sharp cheddar. Minced green bell pepper and scallions add freshness, while Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and garlic powder bring flavor balance. Rolling it in chopped pecans gives a bit of texture. It can be paired with crackers, sliced vegetables, or bread.

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup minced green bell pepper
• 4 scallions, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup chopped pecans

How to make:

In a bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, bell pepper, scallions, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Mash together until evenly mixed. Spread chopped pecans on a clean surface. Shape the cheese mixture into a ball and roll it in the pecans until fully coated. Wrap and refrigerate for up to a week, or serve immediately.

3. Hedgehog Cheese Ball with Almonds

This cheese ball is shaped like a hedgehog and decorated with slivered almonds for the “spikes.” The mixture blends cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, ranch mix, olives, chives, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. It is shaped into an oval with a point at one end for the face and decorated just before serving.

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup bacon bits
• 2 tablespoons ranch dressing mix
• 1/2 cup canned black olives, chopped (reserve part for face)
• 2 tablespoons chives, finely sliced
• 3/4 cup slivered almonds (more if needed)
• 5 dashes hot sauce
• 5 dashes Worcestershire sauce
• Salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste

How to make:

Mix all ingredients except almonds in a bowl until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Transfer to plastic wrap, shape into an oval with one end slightly pointed, and wrap tightly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 3 days. Before serving, insert slivered almonds into the body in offset rows, leaving the face area plain. Cut olive pieces for eyes and nose, then place the hedgehog on a serving board with crackers or vegetables.

4. Party Cheese Balls

These cheese balls combine cream cheese, cheddar, sharp American cheese spread, and pimiento spread. Finely chopped onion, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic salt add flavor. They are rolled in parsley and chopped pecans for color and texture.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 5 ounces sharp American cheese spread
• 5 ounces pimiento spread
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Dash garlic salt
• 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted

How to make:

Beat all ingredients except parsley and pecans until blended. Cover and refrigerate until firm enough to shape, about 45 minutes. Shape into two balls and roll each in parsley and pecans. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Remove from the fridge about 15 minutes before serving with crackers.

5. Savory Cheese Ball

This one uses blue cheese along with cream cheese and butter for a smooth but tangy base. Chopped ripe olives and minced chives are mixed in, and the outside is coated in walnuts. The flavor is richer if it is brought to room temperature before serving.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 4.25 ounces chopped ripe olives
• 1 tablespoon minced chives
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts

How to make:

Beat cream cheese, blue cheese, and butter until smooth. Stir in olives and chives. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Shape into a ball and roll in chopped walnuts. Cover and chill for another hour before serving with crackers.

6. Smoked Salmon Cheese Ball

A smoked salmon cheese ball adds a touch of elegance without being complicated. Flaked hot-smoked salmon blends into cream cheese with lemon zest, dill, and a small amount of horseradish for a gentle kick. Capers or finely diced red onion can be folded in for extra sharpness. A parsley or almond coating makes for a polished presentation.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 4 ounces hot-smoked salmon, flaked
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
• 1 tablespoon capers, drained (optional)
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley or almonds for coating

How to make:

Mix cream cheese, salmon, dill, lemon zest, and horseradish in a bowl until smooth. Stir in capers and red onion if using. Shape into a ball, roll in parsley or almonds, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving with crackers or cucumber slices.

7. Jalapeno Cheddar Cheese Ball

This cheese ball brings a little heat to the table. Fresh or pickled jalapenos are mixed into a cheddar and cream cheese base along with hot sauce and cumin for depth. The coating can be crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese, or toasted pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 fresh jalapenos, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips for coating

How to make:

Blend cream cheese, cheddar, jalapenos, hot sauce, and cumin until well combined. Shape into a ball and roll in crushed tortilla chips. Wrap and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

8. Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

Sweet, tangy, and savory, this cheese ball is perfect for the holidays or anytime you want a pop of color. Dried cranberries are mixed into a creamy cheddar base, then rolled in a mix of more cranberries and toasted pecans.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped (plus extra for coating)
• 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped (reserve some for coating)

How to make:

Mix cream cheese, cheddar, and 1/2 cup cranberries until smooth. Shape into a ball. Combine extra cranberries and pecans in a shallow dish, then roll the ball in the mixture to coat. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

9. Everything Bagel Cheese Ball

A fun twist that’s easy to make, this cheese ball uses everything bagel seasoning for bold, savory flavor. You can stick with a cream cheese base or mix in shredded cheese for extra body.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning (plus extra for coating)

How to make:

Mix cream cheese, shredded cheese, and 2 tablespoons of the seasoning until smooth. Shape into a ball and roll in remaining seasoning. Wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving with bagel chips or sliced veggies.

10. Dessert Cheesecake Ball

A sweet finish to the cheese ball lineup, this version turns dessert into a dip. Cream cheese is blended with powdered sugar, vanilla, and mini chocolate chips, then rolled in crushed graham crackers.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1 cup crushed graham crackers for coating

How to make:

Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in chocolate chips. Shape into a ball and roll in crushed graham crackers. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving with pretzels, cookies, or fresh fruit.

How to Shape and Coat a Cheese Ball

No matter which recipe you choose, the method stays fairly consistent. Mix your ingredients until smooth, shape into a ball (or other fun shape), and coat it with something that adds both texture and flavor.

Popular coatings:

• Nuts: pecans, almonds, pistachios, walnuts
• Herbs: parsley, chives, dill
• Spices: paprika, chili powder
• Seeds: sesame, poppy
• Crunchy bits: crushed crackers, tortilla chips

Shaping tip: Use plastic wrap to help form a tight ball without getting your hands messy.

What to Serve with Cheese Balls

The best dippers are sturdy enough to scoop without breaking, but you can mix and match to keep things interesting.

Classic options:

• Buttery crackers like Ritz
• Pretzel sticks
• Pita chips

Fresh and light:

• Celery sticks
• Cucumber rounds
• Radish slices

Something different:

• Apple or pear slices for sweet-savory combos
• Mini breadsticks
• Toasted baguette slices

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Cheese balls are perfect for prepping ahead. Most will keep in the fridge for up to a week if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. In fact, the flavors often improve after a day or two. Just hold off on adding the coating until the day you plan to serve, so it stays fresh and crunchy.

You can freeze most cheese balls without the coating. Wrap tightly, place in an airtight container, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then roll in your chosen coating before serving.

Conclusion

Cheese balls might not be the flashiest dish on the table, but they have a way of winning people over. They’re easy to put together, endlessly adaptable, and a low-stress make-ahead option for busy hosts. Whether you lean toward a sharp cheddar classic, a spicy jalapeno kick, or a sweet dessert-style ball, the beauty of these recipes is that you can mix and match ingredients to fit your crowd. Once you’ve made one or two, it’s easy to start experimenting and make them your own. The next time you need something to bridge the gap between casual snacking and party-worthy, you’ll have plenty of ideas to work with.

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