Our best cheese ball is perfect for any gathering. It’s especially great for holidays where appetizers are the star of the night. The secret ingredient in this cheese ball will shock you but it truly gives it the amazing flavor it has.
I love serving this easy, best cheese ball because it truly is one of the most delicious appetizers ever! Be prepared for all your guests to ask you for the recipe.
My mom has to make at least two of these best cheese balls, and they aren’t small, for Thanksgiving appetizers every year. They are gobbled up just as soon as she can put them out. Truly, our family looks forward to this appetizer more than any other! Well, this and our instant pot artichoke dip that is.
We love it with crunchy gluten-free crackers or with veggies. The secret ingredient isn’t going to be something you’d have expected. However, it really does give this cheese ball it’s fantastic flavor. While not big and grand, the secret ingredient of baby shrimp is slightly salty and mild in flavor. Even if your not a big seafood fan, when added to the best cheese ball it makes it extra delicious!
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Best Cheese Ball
My husband would never voluntarily eat shrimp but this cheeseball is one of his favorite appetizers. Believe me when I say that it will make a shrimp believer out of anyone! Our best cheese ball is seasoned with:
- chives
- onion
- garlic salt
- parsley
- lemon juice
If you like this best cheese ball ever, then you will also love these other appetizers:
- Gluten-Free Fried Ravioli
- 4-Ingredient Guacamole Shrimp Cups
- Guacamole Stuffed Tater Tot Bacon Bombs
- Smoky Chipotle and Peach Meatballs
If you need a dairy-free cheeseball, I highly recommend this vegan party cheeseball from my friend Erin at Meaningful Eats. I can eat dairy and still love hers!
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Best Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 2 pkgs. cream cheese
- 1 C shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp. lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp. onion chopped finely
- 1 tsp. garlic salt
- 1 1/2 tsp. chives
- 1 T parsley
- 1 T organic mayonnaise
- 1 can baby shrimp drained
- Crushed nuts of your choice I like pecans
Instructions
- Mix everything together in a large bowl
- Crush nuts on wax paper
- Roll the cheese ball into nuts until completely covered
- Refrigerate overnight
- Remove from the refrigerator at least 10 minutes before serving
Nutrition
Here are some more yummy appetizers for your next gathering…
Gluten-Free Charcuterie and Cheeseboard
This recipe was originally published on March 19, 2012 with this photo…oh how far we’ve come!
Lesley says
Do you know if this cheeseball would have enough seasoning in it to be really good without the shrimp? I’m deathly allergic to shellfish but this looks really good. Just wondering if anybody has ever made it without the shrimp.
Chandice says
I highly recommend adding freshly cooked, cooled and crumbled bacon instead 🙂
Tanalee says
Our family loves this cheese ball! Such a hit with everyone. It’s great that it can be made a couple days ahead of time and refrigerated until the day of the event.
Chandice says
Definitely! I’ve got one in my fridge right now. 🙂
Teralee Williams says
We’ve eaten this cheese ball of Chandice’s for years! And love it! Such a hit at all the parties!
Chandice says
Thanks, it is definitely a favorite 🙂
Jenessa says
This is the best cheeseball ever! I can’t wait to make it for the Holidays this year, its always a hit!
Chandice says
Thanks Jenessa, it is my favorite for sure!!
Ruth says
I made this cheeseball this weekend and we all devoured it! I’ll be making it for Thanksgiving too. Thanks!
Chandice says
Thanks Ruth, it is our favorite too!
Boston James Besendorfer says
Super yummy great party snack
Chandice says
Thanks, we think so too! 🙂
Sydney Wynne says
We made this cheese ball for New Years Eve, it was soooo good! I kept coming back for more and more.
Julie says
one of the greatest things about Thanksgiving!