We get it, the last thing you want to do right before hosting a holiday party is make an extravagant appetizer. That’s why we’re nominating our Christmas cheese ball for your consideration. There’s no cooking involved, it’s super easy to make (and can even be made the day before), and it really makes a statement on a holiday table.
The best part? This recipe makes two cheese balls, so you’re really getting two apps for the time and labor of one!
Ingredients for Christmas Cheese Ball
- Cream cheese: It’s important that you remember to soften the cream cheese before using in this recipe so it’s easier to stir together with the other ingredients.
- Cheddar cheese: Curious what our Test Kitchen pros recommend for shredded cheddar cheese? Wonder no more.
- Onion: There are several types of onions you can use here. Choose the one you like best.
- Worcestershire sauce: If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce and you want to save a trip to the grocery store, you can sub in soy sauce or tamari.
- Pecans: Toast the nuts before starting this recipe. This brings out pecan’s rich, nutty flavor and takes away its raw edge.
Directions
Step 1: Create the cheese mixture
In a large bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, onion, pimientos, green pepper, Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice until everything is well combined.
Editor’s Tip: If you want to make everything a little easier to stir, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the cream cheese a bit so it’s fluffy and spreadable.
Step 2: Shape the cheese balls
Divide the cheese mixture in half, and shape into two balls. Place the pecans in a small bowl. Roll each ball in the pecans so they adhere to the surface.
Step 3: Chill and serve the cheese balls
Cover the cheese balls with storage wrap, and chill them in the refrigerator. Remove them from the refrigerator 15 minutes before serving. Set the cheese balls out alongside a cheese knife and assorted crackers.
Recipe Variations
- Use a different nut: Pecans are our preferred nut for this holiday cheese ball, but almonds or walnuts would work, too.
- Halve the recipe: This recipe makes two holiday cheese balls. If that’s one too many for the size of your gathering, this recipe is easy to cut in half!
- Include fresh herbs: Dill, parsley and thyme are great additions to this cheese ball. Don’t add an overpowering amount, just enough to freshen things up a bit. Add the herbs to the cheese ball base or to the pecan crust.
- Add bacon: Any excuse to eat more bacon, right? Cook the bacon, blot away the grease and chop the strips up into small pieces. Stir the bacon bits in with the cheese ball base’s ingredients.
How to Store a Christmas Cheese Ball
To store the cheese ball, wrap it in storage wrap, or place it in an airtight container. Keep the cheese ball in the fridge for up to three days.
Can I make a Christmas cheese ball ahead of time?
This is actually the perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas appetizer to make ahead of time, so you have one less dish to worry about the day of. Just make sure to remove the cheese ball from the fridge 15 minutes before serving, and don’t let it sit out at room temperature for more than two hours.
Christmas Cheese Ball Tips
What should I serve with a Christmas cheese ball?
Serve your cheese ball with hard pretzels, crackers, toasted bread slices and apple or pear slices.
Can you heat up a cheese ball?
We don’t recommend heating up the cheese ball. It’s best served slightly chilled or at room temperature. If you want to serve a hot cheese appetizer, we suggest our baked brie with apples recipe.
