Party Cheese Ball Recipe
There’s something undeniably charming about a good cheese ball—it’s nostalgic, simple, and always the first thing to disappear at a party. My Southern Cheese Ball Recipe perfectly balances sweet and savory with creamy cheeses, crunchy pecans, and a burst of fresh apple. No fancy ingredients, no complicated steps—just real food, real flavor, and a whole lot of Southern comfort.
Calories: 1632kcal
Ingredients
- 2 8-ounce blocks cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup toasted rough chopped pecans
- 1 chopped apple - small but not minced
Instructions
- Blend together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and sugar until smooth in a large bowl. It's much easier to do this with softened cream cheese.
- Fold in the chopped apples and most of the pecans. Reserve 2-4 tablespoon of pecans for topping.
- Shape the cheese mixture into a ball or log by placing it in the middle of plastic wrap. Wrap this around the cheese mixture into your preferred shape and place in the fridge to set.
- Remove the plastic wrap, top with the remaining pecans, and serve with hearty crackers and sliced apples. You can also top with chopped parsley or chives for a pop of festive color!
Notes
Recipe Variations:
A cheese ball can be shaped any way you want, including spread on a board. But I like to shape mine into a ball or log using plastic wrap to stabilize it. Plop the cheese mixture in the middle and then gently wrap it in plastic wrap to shape it. Once it hardens a bit in the fridge, you can remove the plastic wrap. How To Make Ahead:
You can make it up to 3 days in advance; just store it tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the fridge. If it’s already been rolled in pecans, they may soften slightly over time—but it’ll still be delicious. Freezing Instructions:
Technically yes, but the texture may change slightly after thawing. If you want to try it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze before adding any toppings. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
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- Switch Up the Nuts: Try swapping pecans for walnuts or almonds for a slightly different crunch and flavor.
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- Add Herbs: A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley or chives can add a fresh, savory touch.
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- Try Dried Fruits: Mix in a handful of dried cranberries or raisins for a festive twist.
A cheese ball can be shaped any way you want, including spread on a board. But I like to shape mine into a ball or log using plastic wrap to stabilize it. Plop the cheese mixture in the middle and then gently wrap it in plastic wrap to shape it. Once it hardens a bit in the fridge, you can remove the plastic wrap. How To Make Ahead:
You can make it up to 3 days in advance; just store it tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the fridge. If it’s already been rolled in pecans, they may soften slightly over time—but it’ll still be delicious. Freezing Instructions:
Technically yes, but the texture may change slightly after thawing. If you want to try it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze before adding any toppings. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 1632kcal | Carbohydrates: 141g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 111g | Saturated Fat: 28g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 23g | Monounsaturated Fat: 49g | Cholesterol: 115mg | Sodium: 748mg | Potassium: 692mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 123g | Vitamin A: 1313IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 882mg | Iron: 3mg