5.0 from 78 votes
Classic Cheese Ball Recipe
Cheese Balls are so easy to make, and are full of savory flavors! Serve with crackers or veggies for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Additional Time
2 hrs 30 mins
Total Time
2 hrs 55 mins
Servings: 24 servings
Calories: 140 kcal
Course:
Appetizer , Condiments , Snacks
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 1 green onion thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup bacon bits or crumbled bacon, divided
- ½ cup Chopped Pecans
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Bake pecans in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until fragrant. Cool completely and chop.
- Meanwhile, place cream cheese in a bowl and beat with a hand mixer until fluffy.
- Add sour cream, green onion, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Beat until combined. Stir in cheddar cheese and ½ cup bacon bits. Chill in the fridge for 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
- Remove from the fridge and shape into a ball. Combine remaining ¼ cup bacon, chopped pecans, and parsley on a small plate. Roll the cheeseball in the mixture pressing to adhere. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
- Remove from the refrigerator at least 15 minutes before serving.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Be sure to refrigerate the cheese mixture before forming it into a ball or it won't hold its shape.
- To make-ahead, prepare cheese ball but do not roll in the topping. Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, roll in pecan mixture as directed.
- Start with softened cream cheese (this can also be done in the microwave for about 10 seconds or so).
- Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor.
- If desired, a packet of ranch mix can replace the seasonings in this recipe.
- If using store-bought real bacon bits, microwave them on a paper towel until crisp and cool.
Nutrition Information
Serving
2tablespoons
Calories
140
(7%)
Carbohydrates
1g
(0%)
Protein
5g
(10%)
Fat
13g
(20%)
Saturated Fat
7g
(35%)
Cholesterol
36mg
(12%)
Sodium
185mg
(8%)
Potassium
68mg
(2%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
387IU
(8%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
92mg
(9%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 24servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 140
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2tablespoons | |
| Calories | 140 | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 36mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 185mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 68mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 387IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 92mg | 9% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.