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This image shows a classic cheese ball, coated with crunchy pecans, sitting on a round white plate, ready to be served as a delicious appetizer.

Classic Cheese Ball Recipe

This classic cheese ball is creamy, tangy, and loaded with flavor from cheddar cheese, green onions, and a hint of spice. Rolled in crunchy pecans, it’s a perfect appetizer for any gathering. Easy to make ahead, it pairs beautifully with crackers, pretzels, or fresh veggies.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 24 people
Calories 124 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Plate
  • Plastic wrap
  • Measuring spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ⅔ cup pecans, finely chopped
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • dash freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ tsp Dried oregano
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp hot pepper sauce
  • 1 tsp dried parsley flakes
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Start by placing the cream cheese in a mixing bowl and beating it until smooth.
    This image shows a mixing bowl with softened cream cheese being beaten until creamy and smooth, forming the base of the classic cheese ball.
  • Add the shredded cheese, green onion, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, parsley, garlic powder, oregano, and pepper, then mix until everything is well incorporated.
    This image shows a bowl of cream cheese being mixed with shredded cheese, herbs, and seasonings to create a flavorful cheese ball mixture.
  • Use a rubber spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl and gather the mixture into a lump.
    This image shows the blended cheese mixture being gathered into a soft, cohesive lump, preparing it for shaping into a ball.
  • Lightly grease your hands, then shape the mixture into a round ball.
    This image shows hands carefully shaping the cheese mixture into a smooth, round ball, ensuring an even texture for coating.
  • Spread the pecans on a plate, then hold the cheese ball in one hand while using the other to scoop and press the pecans onto the surface, rotating to coat evenly.
    This image shows a cheese ball being coated with finely chopped pecans, adding a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the appetizer.
  • Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour to firm up.
    This image shows a fully coated cheese ball wrapped securely in plastic wrap, preparing it for refrigeration to enhance flavor and texture.
  • Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to soften slightly, then enjoy with crackers, pretzels, or vegetables.
    This image shows a beautifully plated cheese ball coated in pecans, served on a round white plate with crackers for dipping.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, toast the pecans before rolling the cheese ball to enhance their nuttiness.
  • Swap out pecans for almonds, walnuts, or even crispy bacon bits for a different texture.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.