You can’t go wrong with this easy cheese ball recipe with cream cheese and green onions. Made with sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, and rolled in pecans. A delicious appetizer for your holiday gatherings!
A cheese ball is a delicious addition to any holiday party, and a tradition that I grew up with, like many others did.
This is my go to recipe for an easy and tasty cheese ball that only uses simple ingredients and comes together in just a few minutes.
This cheese ball is super creamy and rich, with that perfect contrast of crunch in the pecan topping!
Fresh green onions, cream cheese, and a few simple spices add just the right amount of flavor for every creamy bite.
What is a cheese ball made of?
A cheese ball is a mixture of cream cheese, fresh grated cheese, sour cream, and other spices for flavoring.
Green onion adds a lovely extra punch of flavor that makes it irresistible.
Once whipped together, the ball is then rolled in chopped pecans.
how to make an easy cheese ball recipe
First, allow your cream cheese to soften for a few minutes.
You will need two blocks of cream cheese.
Once softened, beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, fresh chopped green onions, salt, and pepper until combined with a hand mixer.
Grate 8 oz of sharp cheddar cheese and beat that in.
I always recommend that you take the extra few minutes to grate your cheese fresh.
It really makes all the difference in flavor and freshness!
Cover and chill the cheese ball filling mixture in the fridge for around an hour or so to firm it up.
This will help make it easier to form the cheese ball.
If you want to make this ahead, you can leave the batter overnight in the fridge, then just finish rolling and shaping it right before serving.
Next, use greased hands and a spatula to form the mixture into a ball.
I first shaped the ball roughly with a spatula then sprayed my hands with olive oil spray to finish shaping it and that worked perfectly.
Oiling your hands will help keep the cheese from sticking to much to you.
Next, roll the cheese ball in pecans until coated on all sides.
You need about a cup of chopped up pecans.
Just place the chopped pecans in a bowl and roll the cheese ball until it is totally covered in chopped nuts on all sides.
To save time, buy pecan pieces from the store instead of whole pecans so that they are ready to roll!
Your cheese ball is now ready to serve!
What crackers go best with a cheese ball?
Personally, ritz crackers are my favorite cracker to serve with a cheese ball, but pretty much any cracker is going to be delicious!
Think triscuits, pita chips, or wheat thins to add variety.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve with your favorite crackers!
Tips for making this recipe
Don’t skip grating the cheese yourself!
The extra flavor and texture are just right for this recipe.
I used sharp cheddar, but medium cheddar would work just as well.
To save time, buy your pecans in pieces so you don’t have to spend time chopping them up!
Use a butter knife to serve, and be sure not to leave out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours.
How to store leftovers
Leftover cheese ball can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
I doubt they will last that long though!
In our house any leftovers are quickly devoured!
More Appetizers You will Love
- Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball
- Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Crock Pot Bean Dip
- Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
- Crock Pot Queso Dip
Are you making this recipe? I want to see! Don’t forget to tag me on instagram @buildyourbite and hashtag #buildyourbite with your recipe creations!
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Did you make this recipe? Be sure to leave a star rating below!
Easy Cheese Ball Recipe
Easy and tasty cheese ball recipe made with cream cheese and green onions, sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 blocks of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup fresh green onions, minced or finely diced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup pecan pieces**
Instructions
- With a hand mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, green onions, salt, and pepper until combined
- Grate the cheddar cheese block fresh
- Beat in the sharp cheddar to combine
- Cover and chill for around an hour, until the cheese ball mixture begins to firm
- Use a spatula and greased hands to form the cheese ball shape, then roll in the pecans until coated on all sides
- Serve with your favorite crackers and enjoy!
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 - 5 days
Notes
Start with one cup of pecan pieces for rolling, and add more if necessary.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
16Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 130Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 140mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 4g
Susan
Saturday 26th of December 2020
Did I miss this, or can I freeze some of this? I made it yesterday and refrigerated it overnight. It makes a huge ball, so I rolled half today in pecans (I’m out now and have to get more). Can I freeze the other half before I put pecans on later? BTW, I love this cheese ball. Years ago, my mother made a similar one, and we finished it right away. But it called for a few of those little cheeses that came in glass jars. I don’t think anyone makes those anymore, so I keep trying to replicate it. This comes close. Thanks.
Joy Shull
Tuesday 29th of December 2020
If you wrap it up tight in plastic wrap it should keep for up to a month in the freezer. So glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Karen Shaw
Wednesday 23rd of December 2020
Could make a meal off of the easy and delish cheeseball. Second one I have made in 2 weeks . This is a family favorite.
Joy Shull
Thursday 24th of December 2020
I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe Karen!