Everyone should have a quick appetizer to put together and this Cheese Ball recipe is perfect for that! Just a few simple ingredients to make one of the tastiest cheese ball recipes!
You don’t need to wait for a holiday to make a cheese ball recipe. This makes a perfect potluck addition or quick appetizer for that unexpected guest. It comes together so quickly, (even if your cream cheese is cold because that’s nothing a microwave can’t solve.) Nothing too fancy or complicated but yet a flavor packed snack that you can easily dress up with any crackers or pretzels.
This cheeseball recipe makes the perfect small crowd batch and you don’t even need nuts (as most recipes call for some.) An addition of pepperoni is used but it’s really mild as far as detecting it (unless you really garnish it with extra pepperoni.) I didn’t really discover a cheese ball dip until I tried this at a church potluck and it sure won me over! A big thanks to Doreen for sharing this super tasty and easy appetizer with me.
What can you serve with a cheese ball?
Crunchy snacks go best with a cheese ball such as crackers, pretzels or crunchy baguette slices. Since a cheese ball is typically creamy, crunchy or semi-hard snacks go best. Here is a whole article on what to serve with a cheeseball.
Do you have to roll a cheeseball in nuts?
No, you do not need to roll a cheese ball in nuts. In fact the way I originally tried it was plain and unrolled in anything. But if you want to make it festive by all means roll it in cheddar cheese or diced pepperoni. Be sure to make your cream cheese just soft enough to handle. Too warm or too soft of cream cheese can result in a sticky mess so it’s important to have the cream cheese at just a spreadable consistency.
How to make a cheese ball?
- In a small bowl beat the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, diced pepperoni and spices until well blended.
- Shape into a ball. Roll into additional grated cheddar cheese and diced pepperoni for a festive look (optional.)
- Place onto a serving dish and serve immediately or keep refrigerated.
- Serve with crackers or any crunchy snack.
Tips for making a cheese ball recipe-
- To quickly bring cream cheese to a spreadable consistency, microwave for 30 seconds. Then follow the recipe per instructions.
- Cheese balls are best eaten right after there made since the cream cheese is at it’s soft peak. Refrigeration is ok but the cheese ball can harden and it can be a challenge to not break the crackers. Bring to room temperature after refrigeration for an easy to dip appetizer.
- Use a mini spatula or butter knife instead of dipping your snack right into the cheese ball to prevent any breakage.
- For a festive look, roll the cheese ball in diced pepperoni, grated cheddar cheese or nuts.
How long will a cheese ball last?
Cream cheese should last around a week once prepared, however the first 3 days are probably its peak of freshness.
More dip recipes or appetizers to try-
Cheese Ball Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz cheddar cheese grated (about 1 cup)
- 15 slices pepperoni diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- In a small bowl beat the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, diced pepperoni and spices until well blended.
- Shape into a ball. Roll into additional grated cheddar cheese and diced pepperoni for a festive look (optional.)
- Place onto a serving dish and serve immediately or keep refrigerated.
- Serve with crackers or any crunchy snack.
Notes
Nutrition per serving
