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The Best Classic Cheese Ball Recipe

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4 from 3 reviews

This Best Classic Cheese Ball Recipe is a creamy, flavorful appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. Made with softened cream cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning, dried dill, and shredded cheddar cheese, it’s coated with finely chopped pecans for a crunchy outer layer. Serve it chilled with your favorite crackers for an irresistible starter everyone will love.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings

Ingredients

Cheese Ball Mixture

  • 16 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 1 Tbsp. ranch seasoning
  • 1 tsp. dried dill
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Coating

  • 3/4 cup pecans, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Mix the base ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and dried dill together using a hand mixer until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
  2. Add shredded cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly incorporated throughout the cream cheese mixture.
  3. Shape the cheese ball: Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap (saran wrap) and form it into a tight ball shape using the wrap to help mold it smoothly.
  4. Chill the cheese ball: Refrigerate the formed cheese ball for at least one hour to allow it to firm up and for the flavors to meld.
  5. Prepare pecan coating: Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and place the finely chopped pecans on a plate ready for coating.
  6. Coat the cheese ball: Roll the chilled cheese ball over the chopped pecans, pressing gently to ensure the surface is evenly coated with pecans.
  7. Serve: Serve the cheese ball with an assortment of crackers and enjoy this classic appetizer.

Notes

  • You can substitute pecans with chopped walnuts or almonds according to your preference.
  • For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the cheese mixture.
  • Make the cheese ball a day ahead to further develop the flavors.
  • Keep the cheese ball tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and refrigerated until serving to maintain freshness.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/the-best-classic-cheese-ball-recipe/