Name: Best Cheese Ball
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce; 0.5 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 pound shredded Cheddar cheese; 1 cup finely chopped pecans; 0.25 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

These cheese balls are not only delicious, they make entertaining easy! Everyone will ask for this cheese ball recipe again and again.

Follow this step-by-step guide to make the perfect cheese balls:

Step 1: Mix the Ingredients

Start by combining the cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, and minced garlic in a food processor. Blend the ingredients until they are well combined. Once the mixture is smooth, add the shredded Cheddar cheese and blend again until the Cheddar is finely chopped but still visible.

Step 2: Form the Balls

Once the mixture is ready, remove it from the food processor and shape it into three or four equal balls. Place the shaped balls in the freezer for about 15 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Prepare the Coating

While the cheese balls chill, prepare the coating. In a shallow bowl, combine the finely chopped pecans and fresh parsley. This mixture will give the cheese balls a beautiful and flavorful exterior.

Step 4: Coat the Cheese Balls

After the cheese balls have chilled, remove them from the freezer. Roll each ball in the pecan-parsley mixture until they are evenly coated. Make sure the entire surface is covered with the coating.

Step 5: Serve or Store

These cheese balls can be served immediately with crackers for dipping or spreading. If you're not serving them right away, tightly wrap the coated cheese balls in festive plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. You can freeze them for up to four weeks. Just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

How to Serve Cheese Balls

The traditional way to serve cheese balls is with crackers, but feel free to get creative! You can shape the cheese ball into fun shapes, like a turkey for Thanksgiving or a football for a tailgate party. The Allrecipes community has shared a variety of fun ideas for entertaining!

How to Store Cheese Balls

Once youve made your cheese balls, you can store them in the fridge for up to four days. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to maintain their freshness and shape.

Can You Freeze Cheese Balls?

Yes, you can freeze cheese balls! Just wrap them in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and freeze them for up to four weeks. When you're ready to serve, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Community Tips and Praise

"Great recipe," says one community member. "I left out the parsley and mixed the pecans in with the rest. After refrigerating, I sprinkled paprika over the cheese ball for a great appearance."

"This was perfect," says another. "Ive made this for gifts and parties. I let it sit out for a few minutes before serving so people can easily grab a portion."

"First cheese ball I ever made, and it turned out awesome!" says Pohl Daddy. "I shaped it into a football for my sons birthday party. The pecans gave it the perfect color, and I used fresh Parmesan for the laces. It looked amazing and tasted great!"

Ingredients

3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 pound shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients.

2. Combine cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, and garlic in a food processor. Blend until well combined. Add Cheddar cheese and process until the Cheddar is finely chopped but still very visible.

3. Remove the mixture from the food processor and shape it into 3 or 4 balls. Freeze for 15 minutes.

4. Combine pecans and parsley in a shallow bowl. Remove the chilled cheese balls from the freezer and roll them in the pecan-parsley mixture until well-coated.

5. Serve immediately, or wrap the coated cheese balls tightly with festive plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Freeze until ready to serve, up to 4 weeks.