Party Cheese Ball

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It's not a party without a cheese ball.

By
Robin Asbell
Robin Asbell
Robin Asbell

Robin Asbell is an experienced and award-winning food writer, and the author of 11 cookbooks. She is a nationally known expert in whole foods, plant-based, and whole grain cooking, 

Southern Living's editorial guidelines
Published on December 31, 2022
party cheese ball
Photo:

Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Active Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
10 mins
Yield:
2 cups

A cheese ball is a classic party appetizer and a favorite at any number of Southern gatherings. It comes together in just minutes, when you can combine everything in one bowl, then shape into a single ball.

In fact, the hardest thing about this cheese ball recipe might be toasting and finely chopping the pecans. Use your food processor to make that easier. You can quickly break the toasted nuts into minuscule pieces, perfect for coating the cheese ball.

Cheese balls are also forgiving, or rather, accepting of variations. Consider this cheese ball recipe as a base option. You can swap out the cheeses or spices to make this your own. Just make sure there are lots of crackers, vegetables, and baguette slices so everyone can get a little bit of cheese as they mix and mingle at the party.

Party Cheese Ball

Ingredients

  • 8 oz. cream cheese, softened

  • 8 oz. shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

  • 1 oz. blue cheese (about 2 tablespoons)

  • 2 medium (4 1/8" long) scallions

  • 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tsp. Tabasco sauce

  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

  • 3/4 cup pecans, toasted and finely chopped

Directions

  1. In a food processor or large bowl, process or mash the cream cheese until creamy. Add the Cheddar cheese, blue cheese, scallion, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, and garlic powder, and process or stir until well-mixed.

  2. Spread the chopped pecans on a plate. Using your hands or a spatula, form the cheese mixture into a ball, then roll it in the chopped nuts, scooping the nuts in one hand and pressing them gently on the top and sides of the ball.

  3. Place the coated ball in the center of a large plate, and surround with crackers, vegetable slices, bagel chips, or toasted baguette slices. To make ahead, make the cheese ball, but don't coat in nuts. Instead, wrap the ball in plastic, or put in a zip-top bag. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Roll in toasted nuts just before serving.

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