If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleaser at your next gathering, this cheese ball recipe is just what you need! Trust me, it’s as simple as it gets, and it never fails to impress. I remember the first time I made it for a friend’s party; I couldn’t believe how quickly it disappeared! With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a delicious, creamy cheese ball that’s perfect for spreading on crackers or veggies. It’s a delightful addition to any appetizer table and guarantees to make you the star of the show. Let’s dive into the details!
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
How to Prepare the Cheese Ball Recipe
Preparing this cheese ball recipe is so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it before! First things first, grab a mixing bowl and combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Don’t be shy—use a sturdy spatula or even your hands to really combine everything well. You want that creamy goodness to be evenly mixed! Then, toss in the chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Keep mixing until everything is well incorporated.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by combining the cream cheese and cheddar cheese in a mixing bowl. Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Add in the green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s a smooth, creamy texture. You want to ensure every bite is full of flavor!
- Once combined, it’s time to shape it into a ball! I like to use my hands for this part—just scoop the mixture and roll it gently into a ball shape. If it gets a bit sticky, dampen your hands with a little water.
- Now comes the fun part—roll the cheese ball in the chopped walnuts until it’s completely coated. This adds a lovely crunch!
- Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This chilling time lets all those flavors meld together beautifully.
- When you’re ready to serve, bring it out and pair it with your favorite crackers or fresh veggies. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Cheese Ball Recipe
- It’s incredibly quick to whip up—just 15 minutes of prep!
- So easy, even cooking novices can impress their friends.
- Packed with flavor from the creamy cheese and zesty green onions.
- Perfect for parties, game days, or just a cozy night in.
- Customizable! You can add your favorite spices or toppings.
- Great for sharing—everyone loves a good cheese ball!
- Make it ahead of time; it’s just as delicious after chilling.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for this delightful cheese ball recipe! Keep in mind, these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in. Each serving (about 1 oz) contains approximately:
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 9 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
This cheese ball is a tasty treat that fits well into many diets, especially since it’s vegetarian! Enjoy it guilt-free at your next gathering!
Tips for Success
To take your cheese ball recipe to the next level, here are some handy tips! First, make sure your cream cheese is really softened—this makes mixing a breeze. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding diced jalapeños for a spicy kick or some dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness. When serving, pair the cheese ball with a variety of crackers, fresh veggies, or even pretzel chips for some fun textures!
As for storage, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge for up to a week. You can also make it a day in advance, which allows those flavors to mingle even more. Trust me, it just gets better!
FAQ about the Cheese Ball Recipe
Can I make this cheese ball recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance lets all those delicious flavors meld together beautifully. Just keep it wrapped in the fridge until you’re ready to serve!
What can I serve with the cheese ball?
Think crackers, fresh veggies, or even pretzel chips! You can also get creative and serve it with sliced baguette or apple slices for a sweet contrast.
Can I freeze the cheese ball?
Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. Just remember to let it thaw in the fridge before serving.
What other ingredients can I add?
Feel free to customize! You can mix in herbs, spices, or even different cheeses to give it your personal touch. Get adventurous!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you’ve got leftovers from your cheese ball recipe (which is rare, but it happens!), you’ll want to store it properly to keep that delicious flavor intact. Just wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container, and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to a week!
Now, reheating isn’t necessary for this beauty since it’s best served chilled. Just take it out of the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again, and pair it with your favorite dippers. Trust me, it tastes just as fantastic the next day!
Print
Cheese Ball Recipe: 7 Simple Steps to Delightful Flavor
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple cheese ball recipe that is perfect for parties.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a ball.
- Roll the cheese ball in chopped walnuts until fully coated.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Serve with crackers or veggies.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños.
- Serve with a variety of dipping options.
- Can be made a day in advance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 oz
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: cheese ball recipe, appetizer, party food