Easy Classic Cheese Ball Recipe
A cheese ball is an easy party snack, and this Easy Classic Cheese Ball Recipe is creamy, loaded with flavor and doesn't take long to whip up. It works as a snack or as an appetizer for gatherings.
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 290kcal
Ingredients
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sharp white cheddar shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 cup toasted pecans chopped, divided
- 1 cup dried cranberries chopped, divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh chives chopped, divided
- crackers for serving
- fresh rosemary sprigs optional, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, add the softened cream cheese and beat it until smooth and creamy. Once you’re there, mix in the shredded cheddar, garlic powder, fine sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Toss in half of the chopped pecans, cranberries, parsley, and chives to the cheese mixture. Combine everything until well-blended, which will be essential for flavor distribution.
- Bring the mixture together with your hands and form it into a ball. If it feels a bit sticky, lightly wetting your hands with water can really help shape it nicely without the mess.
- Spread the remaining pecans, cranberries, and chives on a board, mixing them together. This will ensure each bite of cheese ball has a crunchy topping.
- Roll the cheese ball in the mixture on the board, using your hands to press the toppings onto the ball to coat it evenly.
- Cover the cheese ball with cling wrap and pop it in the fridge for a while. Chilling it helps firm up the flavors and makes it easy to slice when serving.
- Once chilled, unwrap the cheese ball and place it on a serving platter. Surround it with your favorite crackers and feel free to garnish it with some fresh rosemary sprigs for a pretty touch.