Classic Cheddar Cheese Ball Recipe

Cheese snobs may turn their noses up to it, but there's really no appetizer more classic or crowd-pleasing than a cheddar cheese ball. You know what we're talking about — that cream cheese ball that's jazzed up with shredded cheddar, seasoning, some chives, and then rolled up in sliced almonds for some crunch. It's the perfect centerpiece for a cheese and charcuterie board, as it happens to pair well with both meat and crackers. It also stands well on its own, making for a simple but delicious cheesy appetizer that really can't be beat. 

Recipe developer Christina Musgrave has crafted this classic cheddar cheese ball recipe, and she's especially a fan of how easy it is to make. "I love that this cheese ball only has a few ingredients, and it's really easy to make," she explains. "Plus, it's delicious." The combination of cream cheese and cheddar cheese is an irresistible one, and both cheeses are mild enough, that they're almost guaranteed to sit well with the whole crowd. Sure, blue cheese and goat cheese have their place in this world, but the funky flavors are sure to unsettle at least few tastebuds. This cheese ball, however, will have nothing but a pleasing effect on even the pickiest of the picky eaters.

It wouldn't be a cheddar cheese ball without cheddar cheese, so you'll need some of the shredded variety, along with cream cheese, which will make up the bulk of the ball. That said, Musgrave does note that you can get creative with the type of shredded cheese you opt for. "You can definitely use different shredded cheese like Monterey jack or colby jack," she says, though she does acknowledge that the cheddar "adds extra tangy flavor to the cheese ball."

Aside from the cheese, you'll also need garlic and onion powder, diced chives, and sliced almonds for the outside of the ball. "You can also use different seasonings to change up the flavor," Musgrave notes.

If you've ever tried breaking down a block of cream cheese with a fork, then you know that it's not the easiest task in the world. Luckily, this recipe calls for using a food processor, which takes any complication out of the process. So, into a food processor, add the block of softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, and chives. Pulse until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. 

Transfer the cheesy ingredients onto a layer of plastic wrap, then use the wrap to shape the cheese into a ball. Place the wrapped cheese ball into the fridge, and let it chill for at least 1 hour, though you can make this ahead of time, and let it set for up to 24 hours. By chilling the cheese, you're ensuring that it will retain that ball shape when you serve it. 

What good is a cheese ball without an almond-covered exterior? Well, it's still pretty good, but the sliced almonds add a nice, subtly-crunchy texture to an otherwise very soft dish. So, once your cheese ball is adequately chilled, remove it from the plastic wrap, and roll it in the sliced almonds. Be sure that the entire surface of the ball is covered in the almonds. 

All that's left to do is serve this cheese ball, and naturally, it pairs quite well with crackers, but don't limit yourself to just that. "Veggies like celery, carrots, and peppers are great for dipping," Musgrave suggests. "Pretzels would also be great too."

If you're looking for the right occasion to serve this cheese ball, allow Musgrave to provide some inspiration. "This is great for entertaining — for a group of friends, dinner party or even holiday," she says. But, there's also nothing stopping you from making it as an after-school or movie night snack.