One of the best parts about football season is the food and tailgating culture. Creating tasty menus for tailgate parties is always a blast, and the recipes are easy to make for everyone, no matter your cooking skills.
Planning a tailgate doesn’t have to be hard or time-consuming. Take, for example, the classic cheese ball. It’s a crowd-pleaser that you can make ahead of time in just a few minutes. All you need are simple ingredients that you can find in any grocery store. Trust me, it disappears quickly at every get-together!
Cheese Ball: A Brief History
Cheese balls remind me of the good old days of dinner parties back in the ’60s and ’70s. It was a time when people put effort into entertaining guests. Julia Child even had a famous recipe for a Roquefort Cheese Ball! The cheese ball has remained popular for years. Traditionally, it’s made by mixing cream cheese with shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and a bit of spice, then formed into a ball and rolled in nuts.
What Exactly Is a Cheese Ball?
When people mention “cheese ball,” it can be a bit confusing. In my house, cheese balls meant small mozzarella balls. But that’s not the case here! A cheese ball is made from creamy cheese, mixed with flavorful spices and sauces, shaped into a ball, and chilled until firm. You can get creative with different cheese options like blue cheese or goat cheese. For something sweet, try a chocolate chip cheese ball served with graham crackers.
How to Make My Favorite Cheese Ball Recipe
If you’re new to making cheese balls, don’t worry! Here’s a simple recipe that’s perfect for tailgating. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 7 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce or Sriracha
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/3 cup chopped candied pecans
- 1/3 cup chopped raw pecans
- Bagel chips and/or butter crackers for serving
Directions
- In a mixer, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, black pepper, parsley, oregano, thyme, cayenne, and lemon juice.
- Mix on low speed until everything is well blended. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Transfer the mixture to a piece of cling wrap. Shape it into a ball and wrap it tightly. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- About an hour before serving, take the cheese ball out of the fridge. Roll it in the chopped nuts until coated. Put it on a serving plate and let it sit at room temperature. Serve with bagel chips or crackers.
Tips for Perfecting Your Cheese Ball
- Make it ahead: Preparing this a day or two before allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Choose the right cheddar: A sharp cheddar works best. I recommend Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar for its rich flavor.
- Use a spreader: Cheese balls are best served with a cheese spreader, not for dipping with crackers, as they can break easily.
- Adapt the recipe: Don’t worry if you don’t have every herb on hand. Feel free to improvise! You can even use a seasoning blend if needed.
- Nuts are flexible: Mix raw and candied nuts for different flavors. Walnuts or almonds work well too.
Try More Savory Cheese Ball Recipes
With so many flavor combinations out there, feel free to experiment and discover new favorite cheese ball recipes to impress your friends at your next tailgating event!
