Every year when the holidays are in full swing, I dig through my mom’s recipe box in search of my favorite cheese ball recipe.

I’ve been eating this creamy and crumbly cheese ball for as long as I can remember. It’s funny how certain foods are associated with memories. For some, it may be your grandma’s classic cookies or your mom’s pot roast – but for me, it’s this cheese ball recipe.

The great thing about cheese balls are not only can you eat them, but you can also give them away as a gift to your friends and family.

This is a very simple recipe with minimal ingredients and perfect for gatherings of any kind.

*Before you read any further, I’ll tell you right now this recipe does contain nuts.

The Best Cheese Ball Recipe – Ingredients

As I said, the ingredients for the best cheese ball is fairly minimal. Also, it is a very simple recipe and takes about 15 minutes to make if you’ve already softened the cream cheese.

This recipe makes 3 small cheese balls or 2 large. However, you can make a double up without any recipe adjustments if you need to make several at one time. They keep very well in the freezer!

Here is a printable list to make your trip to the grocery store a little easier.

Step One

In a large mixing bowl, mix the cream cheese until its soft and creamy.

Then, combine all the other ingredients except for the chopped pecans. Mix for 1-2 minutes.

Step Two

Once everything but the chopped pecans is well mixed, begin to portion the mixture out into sizeable balls. I like to set them on parchment paper, but anything will work!

Step Three

Put the pecans in a closed bag (if they aren’t already) and crush up the pecans to the texture of your liking. You can crush them by using a meat tenderizer, or by throwing the bag on the counter a few times.

You’ll be rolling your cheese balls into this pecan mixture, so if you like more of a finely chopped grain-like texture, then you’ll want to make sure they are crushed really well ( a meat tenderizer or anything heavy would work). My sister and I like more of a thicker nutty flavor, so we don’t crush them up very much.

Step Four

Roll the cheese ball around in the chopped pecans until the ball is completely covered.

Step Five

Wrap the cheese balls tightly in saran wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours. The cheese balls stay well in the fridge for about a week, otherwise I would freeze them.

Eat & Enjoy

I hope you love this recipe for the best cheese ball as much as I do!

Shop My Essentials for The Best Cheese Ball Recipe

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