I don’t know about you…but it wouldn’t be a party in my family without a cheese ball.
We are cheese ball people.
I love making cheese balls because they’re kind of like blank canvases…take some cream cheese and combine it with your favorite cheese (white cheddar, blue cheese, Gorgonzola, Gruyere, Swiss) and then add in something a tad sweet (dried cranberries, dried pineapple pieces, dried cherries, flaked coconut) and then something crunchy (toasted pecans, walnuts, pistachios) and you’re done.
Make this in advance and then pop it in the fridge. When friends and family start to drop by, pull it out and serve it alongside your favorite crackers.
It’s party time when a cheese ball is involved :).
Shopping List
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (8 oz) block white cheddar cheese, grated
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups dried cranberries
1 cup toasted pecan pieces
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (8 oz) block white cheddar cheese, grated
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups dried cranberries
1 cup toasted pecan pieces
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and grated cheddar cheese with an electric mixer until incorporated. Stir in the garlic powder, cranberries and pecans. Using your hands, shape the mixture into a ball. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least two hours (up to two days!) before removing and serving alongside crackers.
So simple, right? The perfect little mix and match recipe.
Narci says
what an easy any way to feed guests! Perfect for entertaining!
Charming Lucy says
I am stopping by via Pinterest Told Me To. I am in dire need of your recipe ideas! I am a terrible cook – I burn, scald, ruin everything I try to make. It really is a joke in our house now(: I am making it one of my goals to try a few of your more simple recipe ideas so my family can no longer ask me to bring the paper products to a cookout;) I am looking forward to learning a lot from you! Thanks! Susan
marielazs says
I will be making this! I have a silly question, which brand of crackers do you serve with the cheese ball? 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh goodness! I would serve a variety of crackers! This time of year, I might get festive and serve a holiday shaped cracker (Keebler has them).
Jenny @ jennycollier.com says
Thanks for sharing. I am hosting a holiday favorite things party for my girlfriends next weekend and am STUMPED on heavy appetizers.
I think this cheese ball would be a good place to start!
melissabunny100 says
I am so happy to see appetizers. This is the only food I cook. LOL More Please!
Kristina Ballasiotes says
I was in need for a great little foodie item for a Christmas function this weekend and this sounds perfect!! Thank you! Thank you!
Jessica Lambert says
I am so making this for my office this Christmas season! Thank you for doing the giveaways this week!
Jessica Lambert says
I am so making this for my office this Christmas season! Thank you for doing the giveaways this week!
[darci @ the good life] says
Holy YUM… this looks amazing!! Pinning it now!
Emily Whisenant says
Hi Shay! This sounds yummy! Have you ever tried freezing it? Wanting to make it for several events and was hoping to make all at once. Thinking I may add some chopped green onion too, just for a little extra something. Thanks!!
Anne C says
Looks delicious! I will definitely be making this for family gatherings this month. Thanks for posting! I love both of your blogs 🙂
Jaren says
I made this tonight, and we all loved it!
Grace Ballew says
I made the cheese ball for our family Christmas! It was delicious! Thank you ????