Cheese Ball Recipe

Catalina Castravet
By Catalina Castravet
Updated:
Published:
5 from 6 reviews

Appetizers Dips and Spreads

Cook time Cook time: 0 minutes

Last updated on June 18th, 2021 at 06:08 pm

Cheese Ball made with creamy goat cheese, crispy bacon crumbs, fresh green onions, sharp cheddar cheese and covered in sweet dried cranberries.

The Cheese Ball would make a delicious and filling appetizer. For more interesting appetizers, I would recommend Best Million Dollar Dip and Cheese Jalapeno Ham Sliders.

Cheese Ball Recipe

Cheese Ball covered in sweet cranberries or slivered almonds is the perfect party appetizer. A burst of flavors and textures are captured in this cheese ball recipe, that will disappear in minutes, so you better make two. This is one of the easiest and most delicious appetizers you can make. Also, it is highly versatile, you can use your favorite cheese combos and mix-ins. You can make it more on the sweeter side or savory if you want.

What is a Cheese Ball?

A mixture of dressing mix and usually cream cheese, cheddar cheese shaped into a ball. The ball is rolled into chopped nuts or dried fruits like cranberries. Refrigerated and covered until ready to serve with crackers.

How do you make an easy cheese ball recipe?

Cheeseballs are usually very creamy, so you have to combine cream cheese, mayo or dressing with a harder cheese, like cheddar cheese or parmesan. You can also combine cream cheese with goat cheese, or creamy blue cheese.

After that, you add your mix-ins, like bacon, dried fruits, nuts, and green onions. You shape the mixture into a ball, add chopped nuts onto a plastic wrap and then roll cheese ball in the nuts. Roll up into plastic wrap and refrigerate.

Which cheese to use for cheese balls?

  • Blue Cheese – I like St. Agur Blue Cheese, a unique and intense Blue cheese with a smooth buttery finish and rich in butterfat (double crème). You can find it at Whole Foods, TJ, Harris Teeter, Publix, Winn-Dixie, etc.
  • Goat Cheese – I like Ile De France Goat Cheese, a traditional fresh Chevre from Poitou Charentes, using only the freshest goat’s milk in the region. You can find it at Harris Teeter, Publix, Shoprite, Albertson.
  • Sharp Cheddar – adds a delicious nutty flavor.
  • Smoked Gouda – creamy and smoky!
  • Feta Cheese – you can even use the one with herbs for extra flavor.

Can you freeze a cheese ball?

I would not recommend doing so, the cheese ball can be refrigerated for up to two weeks, but for best flavors and textures, it is best to serve it, a few days after preparing it. Refrigerate covered in plastic wrap, so the cheese keeps its moisture and doesn’t dry out.

Also, always consider the expiration dates of the cheese that you used. If you used fresh herbs, like green onions, that will shorten the storage period.

What do I serve a cheese ball with?

  • Usually, all you need is a pretty plate and some crackers. However, to make the most of it, I recommend a variety of crackers. Such as with dried fruits, some with olive oil and sea salt, and some gluten-free crackers, so your guests have options.
  • Also, I like to add fresh fruits: grapes, apple slices, and melon.
  • A variety of dried fruits: figs, cranberries, papaya, candied orange slices.
  • In addition, a mix of dry nuts and honey.

What wines can I serve with a cheese ball?

  • Légende Rouge – in this wine elegance meets affordability, it pairs well with beef, lamb, duck, and hard-aged cheeses.
  • Légende Blanc – perfect balance of alcohol and acidity, and very exuberant aromas. Pairs well with fruits, especially mango, fish and shellfish.
Cheese Ball made with creamy goat cheese, crispy bacon crumbs, fresh green onions, sharp cheddar cheese and covered in sweet dried cranberries.

Cheese Ball Recipe

Cheese Ball made with creamy goat cheese, crispy bacon crumbs, fresh green onions, sharp cheddar cheese and covered in sweet dried cranberries.
5 from 6 votes
Save Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 7 servings
Calories: 347kcal
Author: Catalina Castravet

Ingredients

  • 2 packages cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese (grated )
  • 1 cup creamy blue cheese (or creamy goat cheese)
  • 3 tablespoons blue cheese salad dressing (mayonnaise)
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
  • 1 green onion (finely chopped)
  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds (chopped)

Roll Into:

  • 1 cup dried cranberries (or silvered almonds/nuts/pecans)

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, cheddar cheese, blue cheese and garlic until blended. Stir in bacon, chopped onion and slivered almonds.
  • Shape into a ball.
  • Place a plastic wrap on a flat surface, add the dried cranberries or nuts onto it, roll the cheese ball so its all covered in cranberries or nuts. Wrap in plastic wrap, chill until firm.
  • Refrigerate up to two weeks. Serve with crackers.
  • Recipe makes 3 cheese balls, 1 cup each.

Nutrition

Calories: 347kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 871mg | Potassium: 294mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 555IU | Vitamin C: 0.6mg | Calcium: 284mg | Iron: 0.6mg
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Comments

Leave a reply

Ann Snook

Wow, these look super yummy! This recipe sounds like the perfect snack for a party, especially for the holidays. I have never made a cheese ball before but your instructions make it sound so easy.

Reply

Aitza B

OMG! This looks amazing. I plan to cut dairy out of my diet this year *say a little prayer for me* but I HAVE to try this out. It has all my favourite things.

Reply

Tee

In any gathering where I've seen a cheeseball as an app, I always find people commenting about it. It's definitely such a fun item to have at parties. This recipe sounds simple to follow and it looks delicious. Good to know that you shouldn't freeze them.

Reply

Censie Sawyer

Well hello lover! This looks amazing!!! I love cheese but I have never had a cheese ball recipe like this. I need to host a party soon so I can make this! YUM!

Reply

lisalisa

Yesssss, cheese and wine....lol! I love cheese balls but, I can not get my kids to eat them. I may try and create these for game day for when the fellows come over. We love goat cheese also!

Reply

Kathleen

Wow! I happen to love cheese. There's no school or work tomorrow. I have to make this recipe. The Georges Duboeuf Pouilly Fuissé 2015 sounds more my type of wine. I'm excited to try it out and just lounge at home.

Reply

Msddah

Cheese and wine is such a great combination. It looks absolutely delicious. I am going to save this recipe and give it a try. Thank you so much for sharing!

Reply

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