The Best Cheeseball
A famous recipe given to me by my father-in-law, this really is the best cheeseball recipe out there. Flavorful, delicious, and SO easy!
I couldn’t resist posting a recipe for the best cheeseball recipe just in case you need a last minute appetizer for your slammin’ New Year’s Eve party.
You know, like my party: husband and four kids eating cheeseballs and playing Hi, Ho Cherrie-O and everyone (including mommy) tucked into bed at 8:30 p.m.
Bet you wish you could be here!
I love me a good cheeseball.
In fact, I would bypass almost anything else on an appetizer spread and go straight for the cheeseball.
I also happen to enjoy a large cheeseball to cracker ratio, just in case you wanted to know (you can tell a lot about a person through details like this).
I’ve been perfecting this cheeseball recipe for years. Go ahead, laugh.
I know you’ll think it’s silly that I’ve been perfecting a cheeseball recipe of all things, but maybe now you’ll understand how important cheeseballs are in my life.
Packed with cheese (kind of a no-brainer, eh?) and simple, delicious flavors, this cheeseball is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Or you can hide yourself in your closet pantry and eat it all by yourself…although I wouldn’t dream of doing that.
FAQs for The Best Cheeseball
Yes, it works great!
You could try anything crunchy on the outside, for example sunflower seeds or crackers.
I wrap each cheeseball in plastic wrap and then pop them in a small gift bag (usually plain white or kraft paper brown) with a sleeve of ritz crackers and tie the handles of the bag with a piece of twine.
I’ve kept them in the fridge for up to 10 days before and they work out great (as long as your ingredients are fresh).
The Best Cheeseball
Ingredients
- 4 packages (8-ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon pepper, I use coarsely ground pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce, optional
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped for rolling
Instructions
- Place finely chopped pecans in a shallow dish and set aside. In a large bowl (or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment), mix the cream cheese until smooth. Add the cheddar cheese and mix until just combined. Lightly sprinkle all the seasonings and sauces over the cheese mixture and mix until thoroughly combined.
- With lightly greased hands, portion the cheese mixture into four pieces (or two, if you want larger cheeseballs) and roll each section into a round ball. Coat in pecans. One easy way to do this is to hold the cheeseball in one hand and scoop up the pecans and press them onto the cheeseball with the other, turning the cheeseball as you go and letting the excess pecans fall back into the dish (this also helps the pecans to go a little further).
- Cover each cheeseball in saran wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Recommended Products
Recipe Source: Mel’s Kitchen Cafe
Recipe originally published Dec 2009; updated Dec 2017 with new photos/commentary/recipe notes
119 Comments on “The Best Cheeseball”
My 3-year-old son just announced “This cheeseball is a masterpiece!” I can’t disagree. Delicious!
Delicous, as always! Perfect for New Years tonight!
In the recipe above, it says: 4 cups (16 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Is it 4 cups or is it 16 ounces (ie 2 cups) of sharp cheddar cheese? I just wanted to check so I didn’t mess up the recipe.
It’s 4 cups. The 16 ounces refers to the weight of the cheese not the 8 ounce volume of a cup.
Hi Mel. I’m not sure if I’ve missed the answer elsewhere in the comments …but how long does this last in the refrigerator? Thanks!
Up to a week!
Can’t wait to try this cheese ball recipe! Does pre-shredded cheese work alright, or do you recommend shredding it from a block for the best results?
Either works great!
I made this for thanksgiving, and then realize as couple days later that I was so sad it was all gone, so I got ingredients to make one just for myself, haha. This is a new recipe than the one I usually make, and I can’t wait to make it again! I rolled it in toasted pecans.
This was so yummy! I sometimes get really strong cheese cravings and this was so satisfying. My husband and I both agreed it was the best we ever had. Thank you for sharing this amazing recipe.
When you say hot pepper sauce- do you mean like a Tobasco? or a Sriracha? I tried googling the differences and it’s just leading me overthink it. lol I’m guessing whatever I have on hand or prefer will meld well with this. I always have Sriracha… soo…
I’ve used both and either works great! I mostly use sriracha these days.
It turned out awesome as expected! The hardest part was waiting for the flavors to meld for a more uniform flavor. Yes, Sriracha hit the spot! It was easy to halve the recipe as well.
Delish cheese ball. Will repeat this recipe.
K, I’ve never made cheeseballs. But after reading this, it’s a must! What are all the types of crackers you use? This will be perfect for the Superbowl!
I usually use triscuits, wheat thins, pretzel crisps and anything else interesting I can find. 🙂
Mel
I am in charge of the cheese ball for Thanksgiving. However we have tree nut allergies in my extended family. Will this be just as yummy without being rolled in pecans?
Sure!
Love this cheese ball recipe! Just wondering how long it can be frozen for freshness? I have one in the freezer that I made for New Years. Yes or no?
I haven’t tried freezing them, so I’m not sure?? but probably several months is fine as long as it is well wrapped.
We just enjoyed one of these cheese balls that I put in the freezer a year ago. A freezer bag of several mini-sized ones had worked its way to the bottom of the freezer and had been forgotten until recently. I am pleased to say it was still delicious! Someone even asked me for the recipe. Thanks for a great one, Mel!
Loved it!! I grew up having Hickory Farms cheeseballs and I definitely will keep making this one. I used garlic chili paste and rolled in sliced almonds.
Hi Mel,
I’m making cheese balls for neighbors this year and can’t wait to try you’re recipe. Couple questions: when this make this in bulk, How many times do you double it to fit in your mixer? Do you grate all the cheese yourself or buy pre-grated cheese? How big do you make your cheese balls that you give to neighbors and how many balls can you get from one extra-large batch? I’m sure you have a great process for assembling these as a family too to all tips are appreciated!
Is there something I can substitute the nuts with (for allergy purposes)?
You could try anything crunchy on the outside – maybe sunflower seeds or even crackers?
Growing up we would give cheeseballs out at Christmas time and my mom would make half rolled in nuts and half rolled on more shredded cheddar cheese. I actually prefer it the cheese way instead of nuts.
I know some people roll them in chopped parsley. I think it’s more for look.
Have you ever made mini cheese balls with this recipe?
Yes, it works great.
Made this for a family dinner and everyone loved it!
Since the first time I made this, my family and friends always ask for it during any foody gatherings. I roast the becans first while I make the cheese ball. Soooo easy, absolute crowd pleaser and some people won’t believe you made it.
Hi, I am making this for a dinner party tomorrow night. Can anyone tell me what kind of dried parsley you are supposed to use ? I can only find parsley flakes, but ground parsley seems to make more sense for this.
Parsley flakes will work! That’s what I mean when I say dried parsley.
My first cheeseball ever, and it was beautiful! I feel like such a rock star! Thank you, Mel!
I can’t remember where I read it (maybe your newsletter?), but you said you have given away cheeseballs for Christmas many years—I think you said 50, which sounds insane to me. I was just wondering if you’ve come up with a fun way to package/gift them? I may do this in the future….
Hi Stacie – I wrap each cheeseball in plastic wrap and then pop them in a small gift bag (usually plain white or kraft paper brown) with a sleeve of ritz crackers and tie the handles of the bag with a piece of twine.
Great recipe. Because I am a Southern girl, I threw in a small jar of chopped, drained pimentos. They added a lovely color and taste!
The greatest thing about this cheeseball is that it suddenly transported me back to my Grandma’s house and so many happy memories of her flooded back (she passed away in 2001).
The unfortunate thing is that it broke part of the cookie paddle on my Bosch and now I’m digging through the entire recipe, looking for a tiny, sharp piece of white plastic. Waaahhh. Wish me luck!
This cheeseball is wonderful!!! Thank you for the recipe! We will be enjoying this on Christmas Eve.
Fantastic!! Dare I say it’s better than my Mom’s. It is. Thank you for sharing. The spices are perfection. Can’t wait to serve it Christmas Eve.
Hi Mel, I am a long time follower of your blog—just wanted to say I’ve been making these cheeseballs for a few years now and they are SO good! I add a Tbsp or two of Sambal Oelek chili paste for just a touch of heat. Thank you for the constant flow of great recipes and ideas!!
I love the idea of adding the chili paste!
What is the bacon jalapeño topping referenced in one of the comments?
I think it’s referring to this recipe: https://www.melskitchencafe.com/bacon-jalapeno-popper-cheeseball/
My family’s favourite cheeseball is identical to this save two minor changes. First, instead of oregano I add very finely chopped green onions. Second, instead of pecans, we roll ours in shredded, sweetened coconut (preferably the coloured kind). I know what you are thinking. Coconut, really? Trust me, it is to die for. If you are fond of the sweet/salty combo then it will be a winner for sure. We make two every Christmas (one for Christmas Eve and one for New year’s Eve) and they disappear before the night is through.
Yum! I’ll have to try that!
When my husband asked me to make a cheeseball for Christmas your site was the first place I came to search for a recipe, and you didn’t let me down! I used this cheese ball recipe with your bacon jalapeño popper topping. I took it to two different places and everyone loved it, especially my husband! I’m sure I will be making it every Christmas from now on 🙂 Thank you!
Mel Thank you so much for your reply. I had gone ahead and made the cheese balls hoping I had the right one….and I did! They are gifts and turned out beautifully! I even have have an extra one for our Christmas Eve get together. I have printed out and use so many of your wonderful recipes. Thank you for making my life a little easier. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and many Blessings in the New Year.
So, panic moment from my M-I-L when she couldn’t find a cheeseball at the store for our Christmas Eve celebration. So I said, “I’ll make one.” She looked at me incredulously and said, “YOU make cheese balls?” And I said “of course!” And in my mind I said, ‘well, I haven’t made them, but I’m sure Mel has a great recipe, and that’s the same as having a tried-and-true one in my repertoire.” Merry Christmas!
Haha, loved this SO much! Happy cheeseball making!
Haha, this is awesome! Pretty sure I’ve said the same thing with MKC in mind 🙂
What kind of hot sauce do you typically use?
Tapatio usually.
I would like to make just one cheese ball so would I quarter the ingredients?
Yep.
I have made this cheese ball for the past two years. It is one of the BEST cheese balls EVER. Every time I get invited to a holiday party, they now are begging me to bring the beloved cheese ball. Thanks for making me a top winner at the holiday feast.
I made this last for Thanksgiving and it was a hit. You might want to revamp this recipe to include toasted pecans. Toasting the pecans put this recipe into the sainted box called “Mom’s Recipes” along with peanut butter crisscrosses, buttermilk pie and gumbo. Oh, I forgot, the heading for the recipe in Mom’s recipe box is: “Mel’s Best Cheese Ball”. The way my family saves recipes this could possibly end up on Mars a hundred years from now. Those little green men will love it!
Thanks for this comment. Last night I toasted the last of my pecans just to do something with them, not remembering I’d wanted to make a cheese ball. Good to know things only get better.
Can I just make one big cheeseball?
Sure.
This is almost identical to the recipe I use, and it is delicious!! I am allergic to nuts so I roll it in fresh parsley instead. I also use the food processor and chop fresh garlic instead of using the powder. Its addicting!
I just made this and yep, Mel, you are right again. It is the best! My husband can not stay out of it. So happy! 🙂 Thank you!
So I have a party I’m bringing this to tomorrow night and then a party Christmas Eve. Should I freeze the cheese ball that’s for Christmas or do you think it’ll be fine in the fridge for 5 days? Thanks in advance:)
Hi Carolyn, they’ll be fine for 5 days. I’ve kept them in the fridge for up to 10 days before and they work out great (as long as your ingredients are fresh).
I have never made a cheeseball but I tried this one for company the other night. It was a real crowd pleaser. I took one into work for a holiday party and it was a huge hit there, too.
Thanks for the recipe! Next time I will add a bit more cheddar – it tasted a bit too cream-cheesey for me. But the seasonings are perfect. To those worried about the hot sauce – I don’t like spicy food, but this isn’t spicy at all. I used Chohula brand hot sauce.
Due to a health issue, I’ll be coating the outside with crushed pretzels instead of nuts. This will be perfect for holiday entertaining!
Just made with recipe with one addition. When mixing in the sharp cheddar, I also mixed in 1/2 pound of thinly shaved deli ham, cut into small pieces. It turned out amazing!! A complete hit, with no leftovers and several of my friends asking for the recipe. Thank you Mel!
I just made it for our Super Bowl get together & I’ve had at least a dozen plain Wheat Thins crackers wi it already! Thank you for all the wonderful recipes!
I made this cheeseball for some friends this weekend and it was amazing! Totally devoured within an hour of putting it out. I only made 1 and the size was perfect! I will be making it again – thanks for the recipe!
The first time I made this cheeseball, I thought the flavor was really strong and overwhelming. I like a somewhat creamy cheeseball, and the spices were too strong for me. I liked the combination of seasonings, though, so I just double the amount of cream cheese (or cut the spices in half) and it is perfect for me! I have also made it without the hot sauce when I didn’t have any on hand, and it was still yummy!
My husband, as a teenager, always told his friends about how he would marry a woman who made cheeseballs. They thought he was crazy but lucky for him, I make a killer cheeseball! I’m anxious to try out your recipe to add to my cheeseball repertoire, thanks for sharing, my husband will be very pleased.
Tina – it is four packages of cream cheese, so 32 ounces total.
I want to be sure just about amount of the cheese,it is 8 ounce for all 4 packets,or each one is 8 ounce?
I made this cheeseball tonight for my husband while he watched the Bowl games. I cut the recipe in half because I didn’t think we would need this much cheeseball. What a mistake! It’s so yummy, I wish I had made the whole thing. We are devouring it. It really is the best cheeseball I have ever tasted. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
My friend was in charge of making the cheese ball, while ours didn’t look like that it was very good! I think I had too many appetizers so there was a lot leftover (we only made half the recipe), but I would def. make it again, the ones who did try it kept coming for more!
I’m plannng on making 20 or these for Christmas gifts. Some will need to be mailed…
Do you know if this recipe freezes well? My plan was to freeze and package with dry ice or frozen bags to ship.
What do you think??? ThAnK yOu!
Carla – my in-laws make over 100 of these every year and they freeze them with great results so I’d say go for it!
Hi Mel-
This may be a dumb question–hot pepper sauce…like Tabasco?
Thanks-
natalie
Natalie – not a dumb question! I use hot sauce like Tapatio but you could probably sub Tabasco (although I’m not sure how the strength compares to the Tapatio so maybe start with half the amount).
Hi! I made this for a family get-together last night and it was a hit! I did what I thought was a mistake at first, but it turned out. I halved the recipe, so 2 cream cheese, 2 cups cheese, but then FORGOT and added full strength spices! It was actually quite good though, and I’m delighted that I have leftovers! Thanks Mel!
(P.S. My mom told me that she found your site through my blog and tried your cornbread. It’s now a family favorite!!)
Double Dipped Life – glad this cheeseball worked out for you – even at extra strength! That’s nice about your mom – I’m happy she found her way to the best cornbread on the planet.
Just mixed a couple of these up for New Year’s Eve! I was planning on using my regular recipe with ranch dressing mix in with sharp and cream cheese, but then thought to do a quick search here. Glad to ditch the ranch packet!
Your site always has good recipes and from what I sampled of this cheeseball, this one is another good one! I have never mixed a cheeseball with a mixer until tonight, so I learned something new, too! Thank you for your site!
Julia – great minds think alike because I made a big batch of these tonight, too!
I am a cheese ball person too! I haven’t made many because of some of the weird things I have seen listed as ingredients. I will definately be making this. And I may or may not be eating it by myself. Thanks!!
i’m glad to get this recipe! looks yummy and delicious! i just posted on your peanut butter chocolate pie recipe post. happy new year~
I’ve never made a cheeseball! I’ll have to try this one since it looks divine!
Amazing!
Cheeseballs make me happy 🙂
what a coincidence–i need a good cheeseball recipe! i’m not a fan personally (i’m the schmo who scrapes all the pecans off and just eats those), but even i must admit that this looks tasty!
Hallelujah I have all those ingredients. It’s snowing here and I’d go get them if I needed, I love cheeseballs and your recipes that much.
I have your mom’s recipe for caramels cooking away on the stove too. My boys cried when they were gone. It’s the best sit-still-during-church treat I’ve found. And the neighbors who sit by us appreciate it. (the treats themselves and the quieter boys) Thanks!
Fabulous combination of ingredients… and it looks fabulous! Our host this year only wants desserts, so I’ll put this one to the side for a time when I can bring an appy. Yum!
I’m with you on the cheeseballs. I’ve been making the same pineapple cheese ball for too long. I’m bookmarking this one. Looks delish!
Hi Melanie! I’m assuming this recipe can be halved w/o any problems? I don’t think I’ve ever tasted one of these but I am going to make this for NYE.
Thanks!
Lorie
Great recipe – I use pretty much the same one and make it with velvetta cheese. Yum.
Yum Yum Yum!! I can’t wait to try this. I am totally trying it for New Years 🙂
Now wait just a minute. I thought you were taking a break until the new year. I love that you aren’t!!! I know it’s only a few days, but I need you Mel. I come one here way more often than I should and just love the recipes I see:). So, I’m glad you had a good Christmas and am extra glad to see that you’re here blogging when I (for some reason, must have misread or something) thought you were gone for a week or so.:). Hooray! Now-to the kitchen I go.
TaLaisa – oooh, a church treat – I never thought of using the caramels for that! Thanks for the tip.
Lorie – yes, this recipe can be halved with great results. Good luck!
This recipe look yummy to try but I am not a fan of spicy foods. Should I omit the hot sauce? Or will it be to bland?
Oh my, I skipped the “Makes 4 cheeseballs” detail and having never made one I thought “WOW, 4 packages of cream cheese! No wonder I love cheeseballs.” I laughed out loud when I found “makes 4 cheeseballs.” Looks sooooo yummy! Thank you!!
Of course that’s Jenna posting, I didn’t know Ugo switched the google account picture whatever. Funny, funny. I think he has too much time on his hands now.
I grew up with my mom making this cheese ball- It is the BEST!
oh yum! i’m pregnant and have been craving a good cheeseball, looks like this fits the bill!
thanks so much for sharing all your fabulous recipes, i know it’ll be good if it’s from your blog!
Ok, another print–I think I use 90% of my ink on your recipes! But they’re sooo worth it.
So far I’ve made: lemon garlic chicken, lemon garlic chicken pasta, creamy wild rice soup, baked ziti, white chicken chili, and stir fry, all of these have been crazy good… on my list for this week is Baked Pasta with Chicken Sausage, Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls, and Chicken Wraps!
I just love your recipes, you’re the best.
Oh my gosh I was just thinking a cheese ball for our New Years Gathering would be awesome and here’s one on your blog. Looks great!
Has anyone made this cheeseball but doing only 1/4 of it? I wonder if the ingredients would be very off? How about omitting the hot sauce? I don’t have any – will it change the flavour?
Just made these last night. I was wanting to make cheeseballs for New Years Eve parties and your recipe appeared! Perfect timing! I cut the recipe in 1/2 and rolled one ball in toasted pecans and the other in chili powder for a little kick! Thanks for such a great site! Love your recipes. Chicken Chili is a family favorite now!
I’ve never made a cheeseball. Just put this together for a party tonight. Sounds delicious! I love your site, thank you.
Amy – no the hot sauce definitely doesn’t make it spicy, it just adds really great flavor. You can cut it in half if you are at all worried, but just to ease your mind, my five year old, who is super sensitive to spicy foods gobbles this up.
Jenna – you are funny. I kind of thought that might be you since Ugo’s mug doesn’t resemble yours at all. 🙂
Anonymous – it shouldn’t affect the ingredients to 1/4 the recipe. If you don’t have hot sauce it won’t make it terrible – it might just be lacking a little flavor. Cheeseballs are pretty hard to mess up!
Chelsea – how sweet are you! I’m so glad you have liked so many recipes! thanks for letting me know (oh, and sorry about the ink usage…)
The Murphy’s – wow, I’ve never thought to roll a cheeseball in chili powder but I bet it is visually stunning and delicious. I hope these were a hit!
Jodi R. – thanks! I hope this cheeseball worked out great for your party.
Thank you so much for your lovely recipe! I made it for New Year’s Eve and cannot believe I ever spent money on these things! I will be using your recipe from now on. Thanks again!
Nicole – glad you liked this recipe! Thanks for letting me know.
Is this the same recipe your mom uses? If it is I’ve had it and it is YUMMY! I’m going to have to make this!
Hey Ursala – this recipe is similar but I’ve tweaked it over the years. My mom would be flattered to know you like her version so much!