15 Best Cheese Ball Recipes: Easy Homemade Ideas for Every Occasion
Cheese balls have long been a favorite appetizer at family gatherings, parties, and celebrations. They are versatile, easy to make, and loved by all. From savory to sweet, there’s a cheese ball for every palate. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or preparing a simple snack for a cozy night, these 15 best cheese ball recipes will be the star of the show.
1. Classic Cheese Ball
A timeless favorite, the classic cheese ball is a must-have at any event. Combining cream cheese, sharp cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce, it’s simple but full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 packages cream cheese (8 oz each), softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or parsley for coating
Directions:
- Mix softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Shape into a ball and roll in chopped pecans or parsley.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.
2. Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
If you love bacon and ranch, this one is for you! Bacon bits and ranch seasoning make this cheese ball irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 2 packages cream cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans for coating
Directions:
- Combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, ranch seasoning, and green onions.
- Shape the mixture into a ball and roll it in chopped pecans.
- Chill for 2 hours.
3. Cheddar and Chive Cheese Ball
For fans of cheddar and chives, this savory cheese ball is a simple yet flavorful choice. Add a little garlic powder for extra flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 packages cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans for coating
Directions:
- Mix together cream cheese, cheddar cheese, chives, and garlic powder.
- Form the mixture into a ball and roll in chopped pecans.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.
4. Crab and Cream Cheese Ball
A little bit fancy, this crab and cream cheese ball is packed with flavor. The delicate taste of crab combined with tangy cream cheese makes for an elegant appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 2 packages cream cheese
- 1 cup crab meat
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley for coating
Directions:
- Combine cream cheese, crab meat, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Old Bay seasoning.
- Shape into a ball and roll in parsley.
- Chill for 2 hours before serving.
5. Buffalo Chicken Cheese Ball
Spicy and tangy, this buffalo chicken cheese ball is perfect for those who love heat. A blend of cream cheese and buffalo sauce makes this one an instant crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 2 packages cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup crushed crackers for coating
Directions:
- Mix together cream cheese, chicken, buffalo sauce, mozzarella, and green onions.
- Shape into a ball and roll in crushed crackers.
- Chill for 2 hours before serving.
6. Pineapple and Ham Cheese Ball
For a sweet and savory option, the pineapple and ham cheese ball is the way to go. The combination of sweet pineapple and salty ham will satisfy all taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 2 packages cream cheese
- 1/2 cup diced ham
- 1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans for coating
Directions:
- Mix cream cheese, ham, pineapple, and Dijon mustard together.
- Shape into a ball and roll in chopped pecans.
- Chill for 2 hours.
7. Herbed Goat Cheese Ball
Goat cheese provides a tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with fresh herbs. This herbed cheese ball is simple yet sophisticated.
Ingredients:
- 2 packages goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts for coating
Directions:
- Mix goat cheese, parsley, thyme, and garlic powder together.
- Shape into a ball and roll in chopped walnuts.
- Chill for 2 hours before serving
8. Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball
For those who love spicy food, this jalapeno popper cheese ball is packed with heat and creaminess. Perfect for those who enjoy the flavor of jalapenos.
Ingredients:
- 2 packages cream cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped jalapenos
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup bacon bits
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup crushed crackers for coating
Directions:
- Combine cream cheese, jalapenos, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and green onions.
- Shape into a ball and roll in crushed crackers.
- Chill for 2 hours.
9. Cheese and Salami Cheese Ball
A hearty cheese ball, this combination of sharp cheddar and salami is the perfect pairing for a savory treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 packages cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped salami
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley for coating
Directions:
- Mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, salami, and Dijon mustard.
- Shape into a ball and roll in parsley.
- Chill for 2 hours.
10. Smoked Salmon Cheese Ball
For a luxurious touch, the smoked salmon cheese ball adds a delicate, smoky flavor to your appetizer spread.
Ingredients:
- 2 packages cream cheese
- 1/2 cup smoked salmon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill
- 1/2 cup chopped capers for coating
Directions:
- Combine cream cheese, smoked salmon, lemon juice, and dill.
- Shape into a ball and roll in chopped capers.
- Chill for 2 hours.
Directions:
- Combine cream cheese, bell peppers, onions, and garlic powder.
- Shape into a ball and roll in chopped green onions.
- Chill for 2 hours before serving.
These 15 easy-to-make cheese ball recipes offer something for every taste and occasion. From savory to sweet and spicy to creamy, these cheese balls will undoubtedly be the hit of your next gathering. They’re simple to prepare and full of flavor, so why not try them all? Your guests will thank you!
