Need an easy, classic appetizer that your guests will love? Then you have to try our BEST Classic Cheeseball. Cream cheese, cheddar cheese, crunchy pecans, spices and either baby shrimp or bacon crumbles combine to create the perfect savory snack to entertain at all your holiday parties, game days, and more in 10 minutes!

This cheeseball recipe is one that has been in our family for 30+ years and is THE appetizer that my cousins al request at any family gathering. We used to just make one but it got gobbled up so fast that we had to start making two. It really is that delicious!
Whether you enjoy it with crackers or fresh cut veggies, it is sure to be a hit! I prefer it with the baby shrimp but my hubby likes the bacon best. Well, now that is. For 20 years he ate it with shrimp and loved it but once he found out it had shrimp, he will only eat it with bacon now. He never even knew it had shrimp so that tells you have mild the flavor is. It just adds a nice, salty touch.
Why I love this easy cheeseball recipe
- The secret ingredient: there’s a secret ingredient that might surprise you, but trust me, it’s the key to the perfect flavor and texture profile of this cheese ball the first time and every time!
- Impressive, yet effortless: This cheeseball makes a great centerpiece for any occasion, especially as a classic holiday appetizer. Plus, it comes together in 10 minutes.
- The versatility: Like this gluten-free charcuterie board, you can serve this recipe for family dinners or special events.
- Make ahead option: You can prepare this homemade cheeseball, and this instant pot artichoke dip, in advance to save yourself precious time in the kitchen. They are great make ahead appetizers.
If you’re a cheese lover and need another good cheese ball recipe, you’ll love this pineapple cheeseball and beef cheeseball. Try this instant pot vegan queso, melting pot cheese fondue, or even these mini cheeseballs with a pretzel stick are all also a crowd pleaser at your next party. Not to mention super easy recipes.
What you need to make it
- Cream cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Lemon juice
- Onionย
- Garlic salt
- Chives or green onions
- Parsley
- Mayonnaise
- SECRET INGREDIENT! Baby shrimp or crumbled cooked bacon
- Crushed nuts: I like pecans or walnuts
How to make a cheeseball
Mix: Combine cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, lemon juice, onion, garlic salt (you could also add a bit of garlic powder if you want more garlic flavor), chives, parsley, baby shrimp, and mayo into a medium bowl or large bowl (either works) until combined.
The coating: Add crushed nuts onto wax paper and roll the cheeseball onto the crushed nuts.
Chill: Let the best cheese ball refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight. Remove from the fridge 10 minutes before serving so the cheese gets soft. It can continue to be served at room temperature while guests enjoy.
Pro tip: Next time you need to chop nuts, place them in a blender for a food processor for a quick and easy way to chop them!
Make ahead, storage, and freezing instructions
How to make ahead: I recommend making this cheeseball the day or night before and storing in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. This extra chill time allows all the flavors to meld together.
How to store: Store this cheeseball wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for up to a week.
Can you freeze cream cheese balls? Yes, you can freeze this easy cheeseball wrapped in a piece of plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. Do note, that cheese has a tendency to dry out after it has been frozen so serve fresh for best results.
Recipe variations
- Omit the shrimp – With that being said, if you don’t like shrimp, crispy BACON works great! Just cook it up and crumble then add it in place of the shrimp.
- A little kick – Diced jalapeรฑos, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and/or a splash of hot sauce or even try some blue cheese or Worcestershire sauce
- Sweet and Savory – Dried cranberries, a drizzle of honey, a spoonful of sour cream and a handful of chopped rosemary gives this good cheese ball a sweet and savory flavor.
More easy appetizers you’ll love
- This small charcuterie board is the perfect appetizer for a small crowd.
- Along with this cheeseball, this super bowl charcuterie board is a great appetizer for super bowl Sunday.
- If you’re feeding a large crowd, you can serve this cheeseball on a grazing table.
- For those who don’t like cheese, consider serving a vegan charcuterie board.
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BEST Classic Cheeseball in 10 Minutes (Mom’s famous recipe!)
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon onion chopped finely
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoon chives or green onions
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- 1 tablespoon organic mayonnaise
- 4 ounces can baby shrimp (drained) or crumbled cooked bacon
- 1/2 cup Crushed nuts of your choice I like pecans or walnuts
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
Video
Notes
Make ahead, storage, and freezing instructions
How to make ahead: I recommend making this cheeseball the day or night before and storing in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. This extra chill time allows all the flavors to mend together. How to store: Store this cheeseball wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for up to a week. Can you freeze cream cheese balls? Yes, you can freeze this easy cheeseball wrapped in a piece of plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. Do note, that cheese has a tendency to dry out after it has been frozen so serve fresh for best results.Recipe variations
- Omit the shrimp – With that being said, if you don’t like shrimp, crispy BACON works great! Just cook it up and crumble then add it in place of the shrimp.
- A little kick – Diced jalapeรฑos, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and/or a splash of hot sauce
- Sweet and Savory – Dried cranberries, a drizzle of honey, and a handful of chopped rosemary gives this cheeseball a sweet and savory flavor.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published on March 19, 2012 with this photo…oh how far we’ve come!
Natalie says
I had guests last weekend. I made this cheesball. It was delicious! Everyone loved it. Thanks for the recipe. I’ll keep it and make it again for sure.
Brianna says
Made this for my book club and it was a hit! Not one bit was left and a few people asked for the recipe.
Alex says
I definitely need to make this again! Such yummy ingredients and super easy. I don’t know if I’ll be able to share, though. ๐
Erin says
I can’t wait to make this again! They’re so great for parties or movie nights.
Aya says
This is perfect for parties and gatherings, so I made it for game night the other day, and it was a HIT! Everyone loved it, and it was so effortless to make. Thank you!
Linda says
I tried adding baby shrimp and now I’m hooked! So much fun in every scoop
Beth says
I can see that the shrimp or the bacon would add so much flavor to a cheese ball. What a great idea for entertaining!
Tristin says
This turned out bigger than I expected and was so flavorful! Everyone loved it!
Heidy says
This cheeseball recipe was outstanding! I loved all the flavors, and so did my husband. I am making a few more to take to my friend’s party! This recipe is a keeper in my book! I bet it flys off the buffet table in no time!
Gloria says
Always a hit at any party. So easy to make. Always love the presentation too.
Chandice says
Thanks Gloria, I always love serving it at parties too! ๐
Lesley says
Do you know if this cheeseball would have enough seasoning in it to be really good without the shrimp? Iโm 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 ๐
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.
Love Mom
Chandice says
Definitely! I’ve got one in my fridge right now. ๐
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 ๐
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! Iโll 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! ๐
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!