Cheese Ball Recipes Are Back on Every Holiday Table: 14 Retro Party Favorites Guests Always Ask For

These cheese ball recipes bring back the appetizer that ruled every holiday party of the 1970s, and it is having a big comeback. A cheese ball is cheap, it is made a day or two ahead, and it sits on the table looking festive while you finish everything else. All you really need is softened cream cheese, a good shredded cheese, a few seasonings and something crunchy to roll it in. From there you can go classic with cheddar and pecans, sweet with pineapple or cranberries, spicy with buffalo chicken or jalapeno, or completely playful with a snowman or a pumpkin shape. There is even a chocolate chip version for dessert. Below are 14 favorites, each with a short shopping list and simple steps, plus our tips for making them ahead and freezing them..

Cheese Ball Recipes Start Here: The Classic Cheddar Pecan Ball

If you only learn one of these cheese ball recipes, make it this one. It is the ball Grandma set out every Christmas Eve next to the relish tray: sharp cheddar and cream cheese, a little Worcestershire and garlic, then a thick coat of toasted pecans. The secret is letting the cheese come fully to room temperature so it mixes smooth, then chilling the ball before you roll it so the nuts stick in an even crust. Set it out 20 minutes before guests arrive so it spreads easily on crackers..

You will need: 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp onion powder; 2 green onions, minced; 1 cup chopped toasted pecans; crackers to serve.

How to make it: 1. Beat the cream cheese until smooth. 2. Mix in cheddar, Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder and green onions. 3. Scoop onto plastic wrap, shape into a ball and chill 2 hours. 4. Roll in the pecans, pressing them on. 5. Chill until serving and set out 20 minutes early.

Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball

This sweet and savory ball was on church potluck tables across the South for decades, and it still disappears first. Crushed pineapple keeps it creamy and bright, while celery and green bell pepper add crunch and a little color. Allrecipes keeps a well loved version of this pineapple cheese ball that uses the same simple lineup. The only trick is draining the pineapple really well, pressing it in a sieve, so the ball holds its shape on the board.

You will need: 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, very well drained; 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup finely minced celery; 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper; 1 tsp minced onion; 1/2 tsp seasoned salt; 1 cup chopped pecans.

How to make it: 1. Press the pineapple in a sieve until dry. 2. Beat the cream cheese, then stir in pineapple, celery, bell pepper, onion and seasoned salt. 3. Chill 1 hour until firm. 4. Shape into a ball and roll in pecans. 5. Chill at least 2 more hours before serving with crackers.

Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball

For a ball that looks like Christmas on a plate, mix tangy goat cheese with cream cheese, a spoon of honey and orange zest, then cover the top in chopped dried cranberries and pecans. The ruby and gold coating looks lovely on a board with green herbs and red grapes. Goat cheese is softer than cheddar, so chill this one longer before rolling. It is one of the easiest cheese ball recipes to dress up, and it pairs beautifully with plain water crackers and thin apple or pear slices.

You will need: 4 oz goat cheese, softened; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tsp orange zest; pinch of salt; 3/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped; 3/4 cup pecans, chopped; 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary.

How to make it: 1. Beat goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, zest and salt until smooth. 2. Wrap in plastic and chill 3 hours or overnight. 3. Mix cranberries, pecans and rosemary on a plate. 4. Shape the cheese into a ball or log and roll it in the mixture. 5. Serve chilled with crackers and fruit.

Ranch Bacon Cheese Ball

Among all the cheese ball recipes for game day, this is the ball the kids and the football fans head straight for. A packet of dry ranch seasoning does most of the flavor work, sharp cheddar adds bite, and crispy bacon goes both inside and outside. Roll it in bacon and fresh chives right before serving so the bacon stays crisp. It is wonderful with pretzel crisps, celery sticks and sturdy crackers that can handle a thick swipe. Cook a little extra bacon, because somebody always steals a few pieces while you are building it.

You will need: 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened; 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch seasoning; 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar; 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled; 1/3 cup chopped fresh chives.

How to make it: 1. Beat cream cheese and ranch seasoning until smooth. 2. Stir in cheddar and half the bacon. 3. Shape into a ball, wrap and chill 2 hours. 4. Mix the rest of the bacon with the chives. 5. Roll the ball in the bacon mixture just before serving.

Garlic Herb Cheese Ball

Not every cheese ball needs a crunchy coat. This smooth, snowy white one tastes like the fancy herb cheese spread you buy in little foil packages, but it costs much less and makes a bigger ball. Butter and cream cheese give a silky texture, while fresh garlic, parsley, dill and chives keep it bright. Serve it on a wooden board with crackers, or spoon some onto a warm baked potato the next day. If you want a coating after all, roll it in extra chopped herbs.

You will need: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened; 1 small garlic clove, grated; 1 tbsp chopped parsley; 1 tsp chopped fresh dill; 1 tbsp chopped chives; 1/4 tsp black pepper; pinch of salt; 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan.

How to make it: 1. Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. 2. Mix in garlic, herbs, pepper, salt and Parmesan. 3. Spoon onto plastic wrap and shape into a smooth dome. 4. Chill at least 3 hours so the garlic mellows. 5. Unwrap onto a plate and serve with crackers.

Everything Bagel Cheese Ball

If your family does a big holiday brunch, this is one of the cheese ball recipes to put out. It tastes exactly like a schmeared everything bagel: plain cream cheese, a little sour cream, green onion and a whole lot of everything bagel seasoning on the outside. Some cooks fold a little chopped smoked salmon into the center for a lox and bagel version. Serve it with bagel chips, cucumber rounds and cherry tomatoes. Since the seeds can soften overnight, roll the ball in the seasoning the morning you serve it.

You will need: 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded white cheddar; 2 green onions, minced; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/3 cup everything bagel seasoning; optional 2 oz smoked salmon, chopped.

How to make it: 1. Beat cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. 2. Stir in white cheddar, green onions, garlic powder and salmon if using. 3. Shape into a ball and chill 2 hours. 4. Roll in everything bagel seasoning. 5. Serve with bagel chips and fresh vegetables.

Pimento Cheese Ball Recipes From the Southern Table

Pimento cheese is the pride of the South, and shaping it into a ball turns a sandwich spread into a party piece. Grate your own sharp cheddar for the best texture, fold in diced pimentos and a spoon of mayonnaise, then roll it in toasted pecans and parsley. It was a star of the cocktail party era, along with deviled eggs and the other retro appetizers from the 1950s to 1970s that are making a comeback. Serve it with saltines, butter crackers and celery sticks.

You will need: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar; 1 jar (4 oz) diced pimentos, drained and patted dry; 2 tbsp mayonnaise; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; pinch of cayenne; 3/4 cup chopped toasted pecans; 2 tbsp chopped parsley.

How to make it: 1. Beat the cream cheese with mayonnaise. 2. Stir in cheddar, pimentos, garlic powder and cayenne. 3. Shape into a ball and chill 2 hours. 4. Mix pecans and parsley. 5. Roll the ball in the pecan mix and chill until serving.

Buffalo Chicken Cheese Ball

Buffalo fans, this is one of the heartiest cheese ball recipes around: all the flavor of buffalo chicken dip, but neater on a holiday buffet. Shredded rotisserie chicken is mixed with cream cheese, cheddar and hot sauce, then rolled in green onions and crumbled blue cheese. It is filling enough that it can almost stand in for a meal during a long game day. Pat the chicken very dry and chop it fine so the ball holds together. Serve with celery, carrots and tortilla chips, and keep a bottle of extra hot sauce nearby for the brave guests.

You will need: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 1/2 cups finely chopped cooked chicken; 1 cup shredded cheddar; 1/4 cup hot sauce; 1 tbsp dry ranch seasoning; 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese; 1/3 cup sliced green onions.

How to make it: 1. Beat cream cheese, hot sauce and ranch seasoning. 2. Stir in chicken and cheddar. 3. Shape into a ball on plastic wrap and chill 3 hours. 4. Mix blue cheese and green onions. 5. Roll the ball in the mix and serve with vegetables and chips.

Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball

Everybody loves jalapeno poppers, and of all the spicy cheese ball recipes, this one delivers the same creamy, smoky, spicy bite without stuffing a single pepper. Diced jalapenos and bacon go into the cheese, then the outside gets a crunchy coat of toasted breadcrumbs and more bacon, just like the golden top on a baked popper. Remove the seeds and ribs for mild heat, or leave a few in for a kick. Tortilla chips and mini sweet peppers are perfect for scooping. Top it with a few thin jalapeno rings for color.

You will need: 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar; 2 to 3 jalapenos, seeded and finely diced; 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs toasted in 1 tbsp butter; jalapeno rings to garnish.

How to make it: 1. Toast the panko in butter until golden and let it cool. 2. Beat cream cheese, then stir in cheddar, jalapenos, half the bacon and garlic powder. 3. Shape into a ball and chill 2 hours. 4. Mix panko with remaining bacon. 5. Roll the ball in it and top with jalapeno rings.

A Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball for Thanksgiving

This little pumpkin always gets the most photos on the Thanksgiving appetizer table. Make a classic cheddar ball, roll it in finely shredded orange cheddar with a dusting of paprika, then wrap it in plastic and tie a few lengths of kitchen twine around it to press in the pumpkin ridges. After chilling, snip off the twine and push a short pretzel rod into the top as the stem. A fresh bay leaf or sage leaf makes the perfect little leaf. Crackers and apple slices finish the patch.

You will need: 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar plus 1 cup finely shredded for coating; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika plus extra; 1 pretzel rod; 1 bay or sage leaf; kitchen twine.

How to make it: 1. Beat cream cheese, 2 cups cheddar, Worcestershire and paprika. 2. Shape into a slightly flattened ball. 3. Roll in the fine cheddar and a dusting of paprika. 4. Wrap in plastic and tie 5 or 6 strands of twine around it to make ridges. 5. Chill 3 hours, remove twine and add the pretzel stem and leaf.

Snowman Cheese Ball Recipes Kids Can Help Build

Little ones love to help with this one, and it turns a simple appetizer into the cutest thing on the Christmas table. Make one batch of white cheese ball mix, divide it into a large, medium and small ball, then roll each one in finely shredded white cheddar so they look like fresh snow. Stack them on a platter, adding a skewer through the middle to keep the snowman standing. Peppercorns make the eyes and buttons, a carrot sliver makes the nose, and a strip of red bell pepper becomes his scarf.

You will need: 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened; 2 cups shredded white cheddar plus 1 1/2 cups finely shredded for coating; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1 green onion, minced; whole black peppercorns; 1 small carrot; 1 strip red bell pepper; 1 wooden skewer.

How to make it: 1. Beat cream cheese, 2 cups white cheddar, garlic powder and onion. 2. Divide into three balls of different sizes. 3. Roll each in the fine white cheddar and chill 1 hour. 4. Stack them on a skewer. 5. Add peppercorn eyes and buttons, a carrot nose and a pepper scarf.

Mini Cheese Ball Recipes: Bites on Pretzel Sticks

For a crowd, mini cheese balls are easier than one big ball because nobody has to cut, spread or double dip. Scoop the cheese mixture into walnut sized balls, roll them in a few different coatings for a colorful platter, then poke a pretzel stick into each one as an edible handle. Chopped pecans, bacon, parsley and everything seasoning all work well. This is the one that disappears fastest at office parties. Make the balls a day ahead and add the pretzel sticks right before serving.

You will need: 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; coatings: 1/2 cup chopped pecans, 4 slices crumbled bacon, 1/3 cup chopped parsley, 3 tbsp everything bagel seasoning; 30 thin pretzel sticks.

How to make it: 1. Beat cream cheese, cheddar, Worcestershire and garlic powder. 2. Chill 1 hour until firm. 3. Scoop into about 30 tablespoon sized balls and roll them smooth. 4. Roll each in one of the coatings. 5. Chill, then insert a pretzel stick into each just before serving.

Chocolate Chip Dessert Cheese Ball

Yes, cheese ball recipes even work for dessert, and this one tastes like cookie dough you can eat with a cracker. Cream cheese and butter are whipped with powdered sugar, brown sugar and vanilla, then mini chocolate chips go in and on the outside, along with a few chopped pecans. Serve it with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, pretzel twists and strawberries. It is a fun way to end a holiday party, and the kids will ask for it every year. Keep it chilled until the last minute.

You will need: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp vanilla; 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips, divided; 1/2 cup chopped pecans; graham crackers and fruit to serve.

How to make it: 1. Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. 2. Beat in powdered sugar, brown sugar and vanilla. 3. Stir in half the chocolate chips. 4. Shape into a ball on plastic wrap and chill 2 hours. 5. Roll in the remaining chips and pecans and serve with graham crackers.

How to Make Ahead and Freeze Cheese Ball Recipes

The best part of a cheese ball is that the work is done long before the doorbell rings. Most cheese ball recipes taste even better after a night in the fridge, and an uncoated ball keeps well for up to three days wrapped tightly. To freeze, wrap the plain ball in plastic and then foil and freeze it for up to a month. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then roll it in fresh nuts, herbs or bacon right before serving so the coating stays crisp.

You will need: Plastic wrap; heavy foil or a freezer bag; a marker for the date; your coating kept separately in a sealed container (nuts, herbs, bacon or seeds).

How to make it: 1. Mix and shape the ball, leaving off the coating. 2. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap. 3. Refrigerate up to 3 days, or add a layer of foil and freeze up to 1 month. 4. Thaw frozen balls overnight in the fridge. 5. Reshape if needed, roll in the coating and let it sit 20 minutes before serving.