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.
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
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Equipment used
Quick Facts
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.
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
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Holiday Cheese Ball
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
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.
Did you make the recipe? Share a tip here!