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    Home ≫ Appetizers

    Holiday Cheese Ball

    Updated December 19, 2022. Originally Posted December 19, 2022 By Nikole This post may contain Amazon affiliate links.

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    image of recipe for pinterest
    holiday cheese ball recipe partially eaten
    cheese ball surrounded by crackers on a cake stand

    This holiday cheese ball recipe is an easy appetizer that's chock full of bacon, chopped pecans and green onions. Great for the holiday season, game days, and tailgates because it's easy to make ahead. It's one of our favorite recipes and is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

    Try my ground beef queso dip for another fantastic easy appetizer that's pefect for your next get togeher.

    cheese ball surrounded by crackers on a cake stand

    Why it's great

    Easy to make - this delicious appetizer will look impressive on your snack table or buffet, but our little secret will be how easy it comes together. It's really quite fun to make too.

    Make in advance - you can prep this ahead of your party so you have more time to spend with guests and loved ones.

    Versatile - You can serve this holiday cheese ball with a variety of crackers, vegetable and other snacks. We love ritz crackers the best, but your favorite kind will work too.

    Simple ingredients - easily find items at your neighborhood grocery store.

    Serve with charcuterie board - perfect addition to a yummy cheese and meat tray. Try it the next time you have Christmas party or your next holiday party.

    Cheese ball ingredients

    • Cream cheese - I always use Philadelphia brand and I use regular cream cheese, not lower fat
    • Sharp cheddar cheese or a milder version
    • Bacon - this can be fresh bacon you cook yourself, or bacon bits
    • Pecans - finely chopped or ground
    • Green onions (scallions)
    • Milk - just a couple tablespoons
    • Everything bagel seasoning
    • Onion powder
    • Garlic powder
    • Salt and black pepper to taste
    ingredients to make the recipe

    Instructions

    • If using fresh bacon, cook 8 slices until crips then drain on paper towels. Once cooled, chop finely. Try my Air Fryer Bacon recipe for quick and easy prep.
    • In a large bowl add the softened cream cheese, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, everything bagel seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
    • Mix with an electric hand mixer until well combined.
    making a cheese ball
    making a cheese ball
    • Then add ¼ cup of the bacon bits or chopped bacon, ¼ cup of the pecans, and 2 tablespoons of the green onions. Mix well with a rubber spatula.
    making a recipe
    mixing with a spatula
    • Cut a large piece of plastic wrap and set it on the counter and put the cheese ball mixture in it. Then, fully wrap it up and form it in a ball shape.
    making a recipe
    forming a ball shape
    • Put the cheese ball in the fridge for 20 minutes.
    • In a shallow bowl, add the remaining chopped bacon bits, chopped pecans, and green onions.
    • Remove cheese ball from the fridge.
    • Roll the cheese ball around in the bacon mixture until it is entirely coated.
    • Serve with your favorite crackers, pita chips, and fresh veggies like sliced red pepper and green pepper for some holiday color.
    making the recipe
    making the recipe

    Equipment used

    • Mixing bowls
    • Cutting board
    • Rubber spatula
    • Serving platter
    • Spreader
    • Air tight containers

    Quick Facts

    What is the best cracker for a cheese ball?

    Ritz crackers complete the classic cheese ball presentation, but don't limit yourself! There are many different types of crackers that taste great with a cheese ball like bagel chips, pretzel crisps, and baguette slices.

    How far in advance can I make a cheese ball?

    You can make and store a cheese ball about one week ahead of time. For best results, store the coating separately. Roll in coating up to a day ahead.

    Kitchen tips

    This holiday cheese ball is best served when the cream cheese has softened a bit. And be sure to serve with a spreader so the crackers won't break off onto the cheese ball.

    It's ok to let the cheese ball sit out on your appetizer table, but it should be refrigerated after a few hours.

    Finely chopped parsley is another classic coating to try if you like fresh herbs.

    How to store

    Leftover holiday cheese ball should be kept covered in the refrigerator in air tight containers.

    Freezing is not recommended.

    Mini cheese ball bites

    Another way to prepare this holiday cheese ball recipe is to make mini cheese balls.

    Prepare this recipe but instead of making one large ball, divide it into 12 equal portions.

    Roll 6 in chopped parsley and 6 in chopped dried cranberries for a classic holiday appetizer!

    Serve "lollipop" style using pretzel sticks, or serve with crackers.

    More party foods to try

    • No Bake Chocolate Pie
    • Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower
    • 12 Easy Cream Cheese Dips for Parties
    • Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs
    holiday cheese ball recipe partially eaten

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    holiday cheese ball with crackers on a platter

    Holiday Cheese Ball

    Recipe by Nikole Berg
    This holiday cheese ball recipe is an easy appetizer that's chock full of bacon, chopped pecans and green onions.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Resting time 20 mins
    Total Time 40 mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American
    Servings 16
    Calories 134 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 8 oz cream cheese
    • 2 tablespoon milk of your choice
    • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese or other variety
    • 2 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning
    • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
    • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
    • Salt to taste
    • Black crushed pepper to taste
    • ½ cup chopped bacon, divided about 8 slices, cooked
    • ½ cup chopped pecans, divided
    • ¼ cup sliced green onions, divided
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions
     

    • In a large bowl add the softened cream cheese, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, everything bagel seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
    • Mix with an electric hand mixer until well combined.
    • Then add ¼ cup of the bacon bits, ¼ cup of the pecans, and 2 tablespoons of the green onions. Mix well using a rubber spatula.
    • Cut a large piece of plastic wrap and set it on the counter and put the cheese ball mixture in it. Then, fully wrap it up and form it in a ball shape.
    • Put the cheese ball in the fridge for 20 minutes.
    • In a shallow bowl, add the remaining chopped bacon bits, chopped pecans, and green onions.
    • Remove cheese ball from the fridge.
    • Roll the cheese ball around in the bacon mixture until it is entirely coated.
    • Serve with your favorite crackers, pita chips, and fresh veggies like sliced red pepper and green pepper for some holiday color.

    Notes

    This holiday cheese ball is best served when the cream cheese has softened a bit. And be sure to serve with a spreader so the crackers won't break off onto the cheese ball.
    It's ok to let the cheese ball sit out on your appetizer table, but it should be refrigerated after a few hours.
    Finely chopped parsley is another classic coating to try if you like fresh herbs.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 134kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 4gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 173mgPotassium: 56mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 269IUVitamin C: 0.05mgCalcium: 69mgIron: 0.1mg
    Keyword cold dips, cream cheese, holiday,, make ahead
    Tried this recipe?Click here to leave a helpful tip!

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    About Nikole

    Nikole is the creator and photographer behind The Travel Palate, a food and travel blog featuring quick and flavorful recipes and getaway guides. Nikole hopes to inspire your inner foodie whether you're in the kitchen or traveling on your next adventure.

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    Welcome, I'm Nikole! I'm the blogger, photographer, and recipe developer dedicated to bringing you recipes that are simple to make, affordable and taste incredible.

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