Classic Cheese Ball

This Classic Cheese Ball recipe makes the perfect appetizer for any party. This easy-to-make creamy cheese ball with pecan coating is big on flavor. Everyone will love it!

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Who doesn’t love a good cheese ball at a party? This classic cheese ball is a favorite at our get-togethers. And it’s one of the first things to disappear.

When growing up, cheese balls were always a part of our special occasions and even some not-so-special events, whether on holidays or when we had get-togethers, for no other reason than just because we wanted to.

What Are Cheese Balls Made Of?

A cheese ball is a combination of cream cheese and grated cheddar cheese and can consist of various other ingredients.

This recipe comes together using simple ingredients in just a few minutes. It has onion, green pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. But others may have different kinds of spices, along with meats or even fruits like pineapple.

Ingredients for Classic Cheese Ball:

You can use the already packaged pecan pieces or bits.

How To Make a Homemade Cheese Ball

You’ll find out that making one is so EASY. So don’t be surprised if you find yourself making one whenever the mood strikes. It’s a great snack to have around.

I’m a firm believer that clean hands are one of the best tools in the kitchen. Mixing the cheeseball with your hands allows you to mix without bringing the cream cheese to room temperature.

Using your hands enables you to make the cheeseball from start to finish; because both kinds of cheese are cold, you can shape the ball immediately. And the cheeses will mix when they’re cold. I used this method to make the cheese ball pictured in this post.

However, if you prefer, use a mixer to mix the ingredients, using room temperature cream cheese. But remember, you’ll need to refrigerate the cheese ball before shaping it and rolling it in the pecans.

Can Cheese Balls Be Made Ahead?

Yes! You can make them ahead of time. So you can easily make your cheese ball several days before your special occasion, or better yet, make a couple and have one to snack on during the week.

The pecans keep pretty well when you make it ahead of time. However, I sometimes wait and roll it in the nuts until it’s ready to serve. This way, they are fresh and have the perfect crunch.

What To Serve With Homemade Cheese Balls

As you can see, there are many possibilities. However, serving your cheese ball with a sturdy choice is best, especially when it’s right out of the fridge. Anything too fragile will crumble when you try to spread the cold cheese on it.

Any of the softer, more creamy cheeses will work. Dryer cheeses like parmesan wouldn’t work as they won’t spread as easily.

How To Store a Cheese Ball

A cheese ball will need to be stored in the fridge and will keep up to 1 week. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or keep in an airtight container.

Remember that the it will last as long as the expirations on the ingredients you’re using.

So, for example, since this cheese ball recipe has fresh onions and peppers, it’ll last as long as those ingredients stay fresh in the fridge, which would be about a week – maybe longer.

Can a Cheese Ball Be Frozen?

I’m not a fan of freezing cheese balls. Theoretically, you can do it, but I think it loses quality in both texture and taste.

If you decide to freeze it, you’ll want to skip the pecans, wrap it tightly in plastic, store it in a freezer-safe bag, or use an airtight container. I wouldn’t leave it any longer than a month.

Thaw the cheese ball overnight in the fridge and coat it with nuts when completely thawed out.