Description

Four easy and delicious cheese ball recipes perfect for parties and gatherings. Each cheese ball features a unique blend of creamy cheese and flavorful mix-ins, coated for a tasty and attractive appetizer that can be prepared in under two hours.

Ingredients

Scale

Classic Dried Beef Cheese Ball

8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
4 ounces Dried Beef (sliced into small squares)
2 Green Onion Stalks (sliced)
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 teaspoon Seasoned Salt

Garlic Chive Cheese Ball

8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
8 ounces Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Salt
1 teaspoon Onion Powder
2 teaspoons Chopped Chives (for coating)
2 teaspoons Chopped Parsley (for coating)
1 tablespoon Breadcrumbs (for coating)
1 tablespoon Grated Parmesan (for coating)

Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
3 tablespoons Sour Cream
1 ounce Ranch Packet
8 ounces Shredded Cheddar Cheese (reserve 1 tablespoon for coating)
4 Bacon Slices (crumbled, reserve 1 tablespoon for coating)

Cranberry Prosciutto Cheese Ball

8 ounces Goat Cheese
2 ounces Prosciutto (sliced into small squares)
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 cup Dried Cranberries
1/2 teaspoon Rosemary
1/2 cup Sliced Almonds (for coating)

Instructions

Classic Dried Beef Cheese Ball: In a mixer, combine 8 ounces softened cream cheese, 4 ounces sliced dried beef, 2 sliced green onion stalks, 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt until well blended. Place a layer of plastic wrap on a flat surface, transfer the cheese mixture onto it, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. After chilling, shape the mixture into a ball using the plastic wrap and place it on a serving plate.
Garlic Chive Cheese Ball: Combine 8 ounces softened cream cheese, 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt, and 1 teaspoon onion powder in a mixing bowl. Cover the mixture tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up. Remove from the wrap, shape into a ball, then prepare the coating by mixing 2 teaspoons chopped chives, 2 teaspoons chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs, and 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese in a separate bowl. Roll the cheese ball carefully in the herb and breadcrumb mixture to fully coat the outside.
Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball: Mix 8 ounces softened cream cheese, 3 tablespoons sour cream, 1 ounce ranch seasoning packet, and all but 1 tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese along with all but 1 tablespoon of crumbled bacon in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set. Unwrap and shape into a ball, then coat the outside using the reserved 1 tablespoon of cheddar cheese and 1 tablespoon of bacon bits for added texture and flavor.
Cranberry Prosciutto Cheese Ball: Combine 8 ounces goat cheese, 2 ounces sliced prosciutto squares, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, and 1/2 teaspoon rosemary in a bowl, mixing well. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm. Remove the wrap and form the mixture into a ball. Roll the cheese ball in 1/2 cup sliced almonds to coat the exterior, providing a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

Notes

All cheese balls require refrigeration for at least 1 hour to firm up before shaping, ensuring easier handling.
Use plastic wrap to help shape the cheese balls smoothly and prevent sticking.
Coatings like herbs, nuts, and breadcrumbs add flavor and texture contrast to each cheese ball.
Make the cheese balls a day ahead to allow flavors to meld for best taste.
Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables for a perfect party appetizer.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: party cheese balls, easy cheese ball recipes, cream cheese appetizers, holiday appetizers, no-cook cheese balls