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4 Easy Cheese Balls

Cheese balls are a timeless and versatile appetizer that can be adapted to suit any occasion. These four easy variations—Dill Chive, Bacon Cheddar Ranch, Glorious Garlic, and Cranberry Pecan—offer a range of flavors, from savory to slightly sweet, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Perfect for entertaining, these cheese balls can be made ahead of time and are always a crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time15 minutes
Active Time4 hours
Total Time4 hours 15 minutes
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: 4 Easy Cheese Balls
Yield: 16 4

Materials

Dill Chive Cheese Ball

  • - 1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
  • - 1/2 cup Gouda cheese grated
  • - 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • - 2 tablespoons chives snipped
  • - 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • - **For the coating**: 1 tablespoon dried dill

Bacon Cheddar Ranch Cheese Ball

  • - 1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
  • - 1/2 packet Ranch seasoning mix
  • - 1/2 cup cheddar cheese grated
  • - 1/4 cup chives or green onions chopped
  • - 4 strips bacon cooked and crumbled
  • - **For the coating**: 2 strips bacon cooked and crumbled

Glorious Garlic Cheese Ball

  • - 1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
  • - 2-3 cloves garlic minced
  • - 1/4 cup sour cream
  • - 1/2 cup cheddar cheese grated
  • - 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • - **For the coating**: 1/2 cup sliced almonds

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

  • - 1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
  • - 3/4 cup Gouda cheese grated
  • - 1/2 cup dried cranberries chopped
  • - 1/2 cup pecans chopped
  • - 2 tablespoons chives chopped
  • - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

- **For the coating**: 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped

- **For the coating**: 1/2 cup pecans, chopped

- **For the coating**: 2 tablespoons chives, chopped

Instructions

Mix Ingredients:

  • - For each cheese ball, use an electric mixer on medium to beat together the respective ingredients until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.

Form the Cheese Ball

  • - Place each mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap, shape it into a ball, and cover it completely. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve, but for at least 4 hours.

Coat and Serve

  • - Just before serving, unwrap each cheese ball and shape it further if necessary. Roll each ball in its designated coating ingredients until fully covered.
  • - Serve with crackers, bread slices, or fresh vegetables.