A good Cheese Ball Recipe is a necessity at any holiday party. The mix of cheddar, Mexican blend, and cream cheese formed into a classic cheese ball, with a layer of toasted almonds on the outside, is just too delicious. Everyone loves digging into these at parties, so make sure you have plenty of crackers to go along with this awesome appetizer.

Almond cheese ball recipe with crackers on a cutting board.

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What’s in a Cheese Ball?

This cheese ball recipe utilizes a blend of many cheeses to create a soft, cheesy, flavorful mix. After forming the cheese into a ball, you roll on the toasted almonds or pecans for that beautifully crunchy outside layer. Yum!

  • Cheese: A blend of extra-sharp cheddar cheese, Mexican cheese blend, and cream cheese makes this cheese ball super creamy and cheesy!
  • Mayonnaise: Helps make the cheese ball smooth, rich, and creamy.
  • Garlic + Onion Powder: Adds an earthy flavor and a pungent aroma.
  • Chives: Dried or fresh chives add a pop of color and herbaceousness.
  • Nuts: Sliced almonds or chopped pecans make the perfect crunchy coating for this cheese ball!

Pro Tip: Try shaping your cheese ball into a football, pumpkin, Christmas tree, or log!

Variations on a Cheeseball

There are so many ways you can get creative with your cheese ball. Use your favorite blend of cheeses to get the flavor just how you like it. Colby jack, Monterey jack, mozzarella, Swiss, gouda, or even blue cheese or feta all work well.

Try adding a bit of your favorite seasoning blend, like Italian, herbs de Provence, or everything bagel! You can even add in some dried cranberries or bits of bacon to the outside layer if you want to get creative. Serve one of these and you will have a bunch of happy guests!

step by step photos of how to make a cheese ball
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What is a cheese ball made of?

A cheese ball is a combination of shredded cheeses and cream cheese! I chose to use extra-sharp cheddar and Mexican blend, but really any cheese will work.

How long can you leave a cheese ball out?

You can leave this cheese ball out of refrigeration for up to 2 hours. After 2 hours, I recommend placing it back into the refrigerator to keep it firm and fresh. You can extend this time by placing the cheese ball on a plate set in a bowl of ice.

What are the best crackers for a cheese ball?

The best crackers for this spread are sturdy crackers that aren’t too flavorful. Water crackers, butter crackers, or pita chips all work well because the flavors won’t compete with the cheese ball.

How do you wrap a cheese ball?

To shape a cheese ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and roll it gently into a ball shape. You can use your fingers or the palms of your hands to gently shape it into other fun shapes if you like!

Can you make a cheese ball ahead of time?

Yes! This cheese ball will keep for up to 1 week in the refrigerator, so feel free to prep it ahead!

Why is my cheese ball runny?

Your cheese ball may become runny or wet if you add too many mix-ins. Keep it simple with dried herbs, and make sure to pat dry any fresh herbs before mixing them in.

Wood board with a cheese ball and crackers

How to Store

You can store your cheese ball in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just wrap it in plastic wrap.

How to Freeze

If you want to freeze this cheese ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil, then store it inside two Ziplock bags. You can freeze it for up to 4 months, so you can save it for a future party.

Serving Suggestions

A cheese ball is such an easy thing to make, and it’s absolutely delicious! Serve it on a cheeseboard (next to Boursin and pimento cheese) with an array of crackers (try my Mexican spice cheese crackers!), chips, pretzels, and vegetables, and everyone will devour it in a flash. It’s the most classic holiday appetizer!

A delicious cheese ball recipe with almonds and crackers elegantly displayed on a wooden board.

5-Star Review

“This recipe is a keeper. I have made this three years in a row now not just for Christmas, but for get togethers as well.” – Lindsey Ramsdell

Recipe Card

Cheese Ball Recipe

4.44 from 91 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Author: Becky Hardin
Almond cheese ball recipe with crackers on a cutting board.
This is the best Cheese Ball Recipe for holiday parties. No Christmas or New Year's Eve party is complete without a classic cheese ball served with crackers!
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Ingredients 

  • ½ cup shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature (1 brick)
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise store-bought or homemade
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried chives or ¼ cup minced fresh chives
  • ½ cup salted and roasted sliced almonds or chopped pecans

Instructions 

  • Mix all of the ingredients except for the nuts in a food processor or with a stand mixer until smooth.
    ½ cup shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese, ½ cup shredded Mexican cheese blend, 8 ounces cream cheese, 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon dried chives
  • Wrap in plastic wrap and form into a ball.
  • Refrigerate the cheese ball at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours.
  • Roll in the toasted nuts and serve!
    ½ cup salted and roasted sliced almonds

Video

Becky’s Tips

  • Feel free to use your favorite types of cheeses to make it your own!
  • The cream cheese must be at room temperature or it will not mix smoothly.
  • Don’t skip the crunchy coating; it provides a great contrast to the creamy spread.
  • Try shaping your cheese ball into a football, pumpkin, Christmas tree, or log!
  • Serve at room temperature for the best results.
Storage: Store this cheese ball tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 4 months.
Calories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 6gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 43mgSodium: 189mgPotassium: 102mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 709IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 142mgIron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave a comment!

More Cheese Ball Recipes We Love

Meet Becky Hardin

Becky Hardin is a wife and mother living in Saint Louis Missouri. She founded The Cookie Rookie in 2012 as a creative way to share recipes. Now, she is a trusted resource for easy cooking around the world, being featured in Taste of Home, The Kitchn, ABC’s Home and Family, and more. Here at The Cookie Rookie she is the editor in chief of all recipes and continues to enjoy sharing her passion for cooking for busy families. She has since founded two additional food blogs, Easy Chicken Recipes and Easy Dessert Recipes.

4.44 from 91 votes (79 ratings without comment)
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Lanie
Lanie
December 8, 2022 11:56 am

Thank you for this great recipe. May I ask aside from chives if not available what is the substitute as well with mexican cheese.5 stars

Samantha Marceau
December 8, 2022 1:02 pm
Reply to  Lanie

You can use green onions instead of chives. For the Mexican cheese blend, you can simply use Monterey jack, cheddar, or a combination of both!

Lyn
Lyn
December 4, 2020 4:55 pm

This looks yummy! It looks great too, but any suggestions for those of us with a nut allergy?

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
December 11, 2020 3:05 pm
Reply to  Lyn

You could try crushed up cracker for the outside!

Lyn
Lyn
December 11, 2020 5:21 pm
Reply to  Becky Hardin

That sounds perfect! Thank you!

Jan
Jan
April 22, 2020 11:14 am

Hi Becky, I just found your Cheese ball recipe and I’m sure it is good, I found this recipe about 20 years ago and it is great.
Hidden Valley Ranch Cheese Ball
½ cup Prepared, double strength Hidden Valley Ranch Original Recipe Salad Dressing(1 package, ½ c. Hellmann’s Mayo, & ½ c. milk)
8 oz. shredded Cheddar Cheese, at room temp. for 1 hour
6 oz. cream cheese, at room temp. for 1 hour
5 oz. sliced Almonds, toasted

Mix the double strength salad dressing and cream cheese. Beat well with an electric mixer. Add Cheddar cheese and blend well.
Cover and freeze for 30 minutes.
Shape into a ball and roll in toasted almonds.
Serve with crackers.
Give it a try.

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
April 25, 2020 3:47 pm
Reply to  Jan

Thanks, Jan!! I will have to try that one out!

Lindsey Ramsdell
Lindsey Ramsdell
December 25, 2019 1:53 am

This recipe is a keeper. I have made this three years in a row now not just for Christmas, but for get togethers as well. I use the lighthouse freeze dried chives and I don’t add salt as the cheese contains enough on its own.5 stars

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
December 27, 2019 10:04 am

Great tips!! I’m glad you love it so much!

Cindy Smith
Cindy Smith
August 27, 2019 9:53 am

This looks really good. I will have to try this.

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
August 27, 2019 1:13 pm
Reply to  Cindy Smith

You will love it!

Layne
Layne
January 19, 2019 7:13 pm

This looks so yummy, I can’t wait to try it!5 stars

April
April
December 11, 2018 1:35 pm

so good! perfectly creamy. thanks for the recipe :-)5 stars

Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
December 10, 2018 7:51 am

I need to try this immediately, it looks so good!5 stars

Sommer
Sommer
December 10, 2018 7:36 am

So soft and creamy. This really is the best cheese ball!5 stars

Cheryl Sousan
Cheryl Sousan
December 10, 2018 7:26 am

I love the flavors in this cheeseball!! Such a great easy appetizer!5 stars