Classic Cheddar Cheese Ball Recipe in 5 Minutes

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With just 5 ingredients you likely have on hand and 5 mere minutes of prep, you can be snacking on a creamy, tangy cheddar cheese ball that looks fancy but couldn’t be simpler.

With just 5 ingredients you likely have on hand and 5 mere minutes of prep, you can be snacking on a creamy, tangy cheddar cheese ball that looks fancy but couldn’t be simpler.

How to Make an Easy Cheddar Cheese Ball

Some Christmas’ that we’ve had in the last several years was not exactly what I planned. We didn’t have a finished house yet; we were still living in the camper, and we couldn’t go home to be with our families because of the day of the week Christmas was on, etc.

Regardless, we still decided to make the most of what we had. We removed the camper’s furniture and crammed a tree in it. We started some fun little traditions that I know we will continue each year (new PJs, family Christmas movies, opening stocking presents on Christmas Eve). Plus, we made as many fun treats and snacks as I could fit into our little fridge. What mattered was that we were together, and they’ve always turned out to be a good little Christmas.

One of the yummy recipes that I made was a simple little plain Cheese ball Recipe. I didn’t want to buy anything fancy to make it, so we just used what we had on hand, and it turned out great! I wanted to share this recipe with you today in case you want to make an extra little treat for your family tonight.

Tip: Another delicious dip snack that can be made up quickly is this yummy creamy Cheese Pimento Spread 

Quick and Easy Cheeseball Recipe

Ingredients in the Cheddar Cheese Ball

  • Cheddar Cheese. You will need this for both the inside and outside of the cheese ball. I like to use plain cheddar because I readily have it on hand but you can experiment with different kinds of cheese.
  • Garlic Powder. I get my spices, including garlic powder, from Azure.
  • Minced Onion. We use a lot of this in our regular cooking so I always buy it in bulk from Azure
  • Cream Cheese. This is the main part of our cheese ball. You can use any kind of cream cheese you’d like. You could even use Homemade Cream Cheese if you have it.
  • Salt. Any kind of salt will do. I usually use Pink Salt because that’s what I have on hand.

Variations to the Plain Cheese Ball

Now, obviously, my recipe is very plain and contains only simple ingredients (which is how we like it!), but there are plenty of small things you can do and add to dress it up a little. Here are some ideas:

  • Add some chopped nuts to the outside.
  • Add some diced green onion.
  • Use carrots or celery for dipping instead of crackers.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese instead of mild.
  • Add some chopped, cooked bacon to the inside or outside.
Spices in Cheeseball Recipe

Step By Step Instructions for Making a Classic Cheese Ball Recipe

In a large mixing bowl, make sure the cream cheese is softened, add in the garlic, onion, and salt, and mix well.

Adding Cheese to Cheeseball Recipe

In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese and cheddar cheese. Stir well so you don’t have any large clumps of shredded cheese.

Creating a Cheeseball

Use the spoon or your hands and roll the cheese mixture into a ball. Coat the white cheddar cheese ball with extra shredded cheese to add some color.

Easy Cheeseball Recipe

This is the best cheese ball recipe for last-minute parties or busy evenings because it tastes amazing without having to set up in the fridge. (Although it doesn’t taste bad on day 2…if there is anything left!) To store leftovers, wrap whatever is left in some plastic wrap and stick it in the refrigerator to enjoy later.

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Cheddar Cheese Ball Recipe

How to make a simple and plain cheddar cheese ball.

Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Cheddar Cheese Ball Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 180 kcal
Creator Merissa

Ingredients

  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese plus extra for rolling
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Minced Onion
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt

Instructions

  1. Make sure the cream cheese is softened, add in the garlic, onion, and salt and mix well.
  2. In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese and cheddar cheese. Stir well so you don’t have any large clumps of shredded cheese.
  3. Use the spoon or your hands and roll into a ball. Coat the ball with extra shredded cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Cheddar Cheese Ball Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 180 Calories from Fat 90
% Daily Value*
Fat 10g15%
Saturated Fat 6g38%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g
Monounsaturated Fat 2g
Cholesterol 35mg12%
Sodium 874mg38%
Potassium 204mg6%
Carbohydrates 6g2%
Fiber 0.1g0%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 16g32%
Vitamin A 313IU6%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 402mg40%
Iron 0.2mg1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Brown Rice Crackers

Homemade Crackers to Make With the Cheese Ball

We love enjoying this with some of our homemade crackers! Brown Rice Crackers, Plain Crackers, and Whole Wheat Crackers are all good with it! (The Cheeseball is shown in the pictures here with the Brown Rice Crackers.)

Jalapeno Popper Dip

More Delicious Dip Recipes

Made this recipe and love it? Leave a star rating on the recipe card above and be sure to share with your friends on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and through Email using the sharing button below.

What are some of your favorite treats and traditions for Christmas Eve?

Me and Kady

Merissa Alink

Merissa has been blogging about and living the simple and frugal life on Little House Living since 2009 and has internationally published 2 books on the topic. You can read about Merissa’s journey from penniless to freedom on the About Page. You can send her a message any time from the Contact Page.

This Easy Cheddar Cheese Ball Recipe was originally published on Little House Living in December 2014. It has been updated as of December 2023.

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13 Comments

  1. Love that I can finally make something and eat it. Highly allergic to soy and it seems it’s in everything these days. May you and your family have a wonderful holiday season!

  2. Love you site and blog. Very inspirational in living simply. Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy new year to you and your family

  3. love this so quick and easy whenever you want one plus many ingredients are normally in my fridge thanks for sharing.

  4. So simple yet looks like it is so yummy!! Hey I would love it if you link up with me on my new link Party – My 2 Favorite Things on Thursday! You have great stuff!!

  5. Thank you so much for all your posts, articles & recipes!
    I learn so much from you and everything you share is valuable!
    Blessings to you & your family! Merry Christmas!