It’s just not a party without a cheese ball, right? Whether you’re having a small gathering or a large get-together, this Cheddar and Chive Cheese Ball will surely be a hit. Serve it with your favorite crackers or fresh veggies for an easy-to-make appetizer that’s welcome whenever it’s served.
For more quick appetizer cheese balls, try this Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball, Easy Mini Cheese Balls, and this Pineapple Bacon Cheese Ball.
In This Post
I don’t know a single person who doesn’t like a yummy cheese ball. It’s often the first appetizer to go at a party, and for good reason. There’s something about spreading cheese with all kinds of yummy flavors on a cracker that makes people happy.
Why You’ll Love The Homemade Cheese Ball Recipe
- Loaded With Flavor – Cheese and spices, what’s better? Not much if you ask me. Plus, you can add your own sweet or savory ingredients to make it your own.
- Super Easy To Make—Not only is this delicious, but you can literally have it ready in just 15 minutes. And it looks impressive!
- Can Be Made Ahead of Time – Cheese balls are fantastic for making ahead of time because they freeze beautifully!
Cheddar and Chive Cheese Ball Ingredients
- Room-temperature cream cheese is the base of a good cheese ball. It needs to be at room temperature to mix everything together.
- You’ll also need cheddar cheese for this flavor combination. I always recommend shredding your own if you can. Sharp cheddar cheese will have more cheddar flavor, which I love.
- I mix fresh chives, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and fresh cracked black pepper for flavor.
- Finally, I like to roll the cheese ball in chopped pecans for crunch and a pretty presentation.
Recipe Variations
- Cheese Alternatives: Feel free to use white cheddar cheese or pepper jack in place of cheddar cheese.
- Nut Options: You can roll the cheese ball in almonds or walnuts.
- Add Spice: For a bit of heat, you can add finely diced jalapenos to the mixture.
- Add Herbs: Instead of chives, you can add parsley or green onions to color the outside of the nuts.
- Add Sweetness: Mix in dried cranberries for a pop of sweetness. This is great for the holidays!
Step By Step Directions
- Mix: Place all ingredients into a medium-sized bowl. Using a hand mixer or wooden spoon, mix until blended well. Divide the cheese mixture in half and form into balls. Wrap in plastic wrap.
- Store: Chill in the refrigerator. Right before serving, roll the cheese ball in chopped pecans.
Can Cheese Balls Be Frozen?
Yup! The cheese ball can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it, roll it in chopped pecans, and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cheese ball can be kept in the fridge, wrapped in plastic wrap, or in an air-tight container for up to 1 week.
Yes, a resounding yes! Cheese balls may seem retro, but they never go out of style because cheese never goes out of style. Plus, they are super budget-friendly, and we all love that!
Serving Suggestions
When serving this cheese ball, I always try to pair it with crackers and veggies for two different options. It’s delicious with Spicy Ranch Crackers for dipping. For a full appetizer spread, you can serve it with this Honey Pistachio Goat Cheese Appetizer and Outrageously Good Stuffed Celery.
More Easy Appetizer Recipes
If you tried this Cheddar & Chive Cheese Ball Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 8 oz cream cheese blocks, room temperature
- ¼ cup fresh chives, chopped
- 1 ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 1 – 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a medium size bowl. Using a hand mixer or wooden spoon, mix until blended well. Divide mixture in half and form into balls. Wrap in plastic wrap. Store in refrigerator. Right before serving, roll cheese ball in chopped pecans.
- ***Cheese ball can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw, then roll in chopped pecans and serve.***Cheese ball can be rolled in almonds or parsley if desired instead of pecans.
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Hi!! How long do you estimate it takes to thaw! Thanks
Hey Steph.
That’s a hard question to answer. If you thaw in the fridge, and depending on the size of the cheese ball, maybe a couple of hours? Try that. Or take it out of the freezer the night before you want to serve it.
Merry Christmas!
~Donya