This Old Fashioned Cheese Ball Recipe is a timeless holiday appetizer, bursting with flavor and perfect for any gathering. Easily made with just a few simple ingredients, this creamy cheese ball is a crowd-pleaser served with crackers, vegetables, or pretzels. Whether it’s a Thanksgiving feast, a Christmas party, or a New Year’s Eve celebration, this classic recipe is sure to be a hit.
Simple Ingredients for a Delicious Cheese Ball
This old fashioned cheese ball recipe requires minimal effort and simple ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh diced chives
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Easy Steps to Make an Old Fashioned Cheese Ball
Creating this classic appetizer is a breeze:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, chives, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, oregano, and salt. Stir until thoroughly combined.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Place the cheese mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Wrap tightly and shape into a ball.
- Coat with Pecans: Spread the chopped pecans on a plate. Unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in the pecans until fully coated. Press pecans into any bare spots.
- Chill and Serve: Rewrap the cheese ball in fresh plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours, or up to a week. For optimal pecan crunch, coat the cheese ball in pecans just before serving if made more than a day in advance.
Serving Suggestions for Your Cheese Ball
This old fashioned cheese ball pairs perfectly with a variety of accompaniments:
- Crackers: Ritz, Wheat Thins, Club Crackers, multi-grain crackers
- Chips: Pita chips, tortilla chips
- Pretzels: Rods, twists, or mini pretzels
- Vegetables: Sliced celery, carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, cucumber slices
- Crostini: Toasted baguette slices
Make Ahead Tips for Stress-Free Entertaining
This old fashioned cheese ball recipe is ideal for preparing ahead of time. The cheese ball can be made up to a week in advance, allowing you to focus on other party preparations. Remember to coat with pecans shortly before serving for the best texture. This classic appetizer is sure to impress your guests with its delicious flavor and effortless presentation.
