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Best Cheese Ball

This cheese ball recipe is made with cream cheese and shredded Cheddar for a spreadable dip. Perfect to serve with crackers for a party appetizer. I also like to get ahead and freeze these cheese balls to give as festive gifts to family and friends.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 12 people
Calories 2452.4 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Food Processor Essential for blending and incorporating ingredients evenly.
  • 1 Shallow Bowl For coating the cheese balls with the pecan-parsley mixture.
  • 1 Spatula or Rubber Scraper For efficiently removing mixture from the food processor.
  • 1 Plastic Wrap For chilling and tightly wrapping the cheese balls.
  • 1 Aluminum Foil For an additional layer of protection when freezing.

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 3 8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce
  • ½ teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 pound shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans
  • ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Combine cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, and garlic in a food processor; blend until well combined. Add Cheddar cheese and process until Cheddar is finely chopped but still very visible.
  • Remove mixture from the food processor and shape into 3 or 4 balls. Place in the freezer for 15 minutes.
  • Combine pecans and parsley in a shallow bowl. Remove chilled cheese balls from the freezer and roll in the pecan-parsley mixture until well coated.
  • Serve immediately, or rewrap nut-covered cheeseballs tightly with festive plastic wrap. Wrap again with aluminum foil, then freeze until ready to gift, up to 4 weeks. Terri McHugh

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is thoroughly softened at room temperature for a smooth, homogenous base; cold cream cheese will result in lumps and an uneven texture. When blending the Cheddar, pulse just enough to finely chop it, keeping it visible for textural contrast and aesthetic appeal—over-processing will create a uniform, less appealing consistency. For an elevated flavor, consider a touch of smoked paprika, finely chopped chives, or a different hot sauce for varied heat. For best results when freezing, double-wrap the coated cheese balls tightly to prevent freezer burn and preserve freshness. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator before serving to maintain optimal texture.