This festive cheese ball is an easy, make-ahead party favorite that’s creamy, bright with herbs, and crunchy from nuts. It comes together in minutes and chills while you set up the rest of your snacks, and it pairs nicely with crackers, sliced veggies, or even a sweet dip like caramel apple cheesecake dip for a holiday spread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cheese ball is creamy from cream cheese and goat cheese, savory with cheddar and garlic, and fresh from herbs and nuts. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for parties or holiday gatherings.

Recipe Card

Mix 8 oz cream cheese (softened), 4 oz goat cheese (softened), and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese until smooth. Stir in 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 cup chopped herbs, 1/4 cup chopped nuts, salt, and pepper, plus optional dried cranberries or raisins. Shape into a ball, roll in extra herbs or nuts, chill 1 hour, then serve with crackers or sliced vegetables.

How To Make This Recipe

Work with softened cheeses so mixing is smooth and quick. Use a bowl and a sturdy spoon or hand mixer to blend cream cheese, goat cheese, and cheddar until uniform. Add seasonings, herbs, and nuts, then form and chill to let flavors meld.

Ingredients :

8 oz cream cheese, softened, 4 oz goat cheese, softened, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup chopped herbs (like parsley and chives), 1/4 cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), 1 tsp garlic powder, Salt and pepper to taste, Optional: dried cranberries or raisins for sweetness

What Type Of Ingredients Should I Use

Choose full-fat cream cheese and a mild, spreadable goat cheese for best texture and flavor. Fresh herbs (parsley, chives) are best; if using dried, use about one-third the amount and rehydrate slightly. Use coarsely chopped nuts for crunch — toast them briefly for more flavor. If using frozen ingredients, thaw fully and pat dry to avoid extra water. For sweeter notes, add dried cranberries or raisins, drained and patted dry.

Directions :

In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, goat cheese, and cheddar cheese, mixing until smooth., 2. Add garlic powder, chopped herbs, nuts, salt, and pepper. Mix well., 3. Form the mixture into a ball using your hands (or multiple smaller balls)., 4. Roll the cheese ball in additional chopped herbs or nuts if desired., 5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld., 6. Serve with crackers or sliced vegetables.
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How To Serve This Recipe

Bring the cheese ball to the table on a pretty platter with an assortment of crackers and sliced vegetables. For a festive touch, garnish with extra chopped herbs, whole nuts, or a sprinkle of dried cranberries.

How To Store This Recipe

Keep the cheese ball covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, form into smaller balls and wrap each tightly; they should keep well for up to a week refrigerated.

Helpful Tips For This Recipe

Soften the cheeses at room temperature for 20–30 minutes for easier mixing. Taste and adjust salt and pepper before chilling. If the mixture is too soft, chill briefly before shaping.

Variations (simple alternatives related to the dish)

Try swapping cheddar for smoked cheddar or sharp white cheddar. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and basil for a Mediterranean twist. Replace nuts with seeds for a nut-free option. For sweetness, mix in the optional dried cranberries or raisins.

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FAQs

Q: Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?
A: Yes — make it up to 2 days ahead and keep covered in the fridge so flavors deepen.

Q: Can I freeze the cheese ball?
A: Freezing can change texture; it’s best stored refrigerated up to a week. If you must freeze, wrap tightly and use within a month after thawing slowly in the fridge.

Q: How do I soften cream cheese quickly?
A: Cut the cream cheese into cubes and let sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes, or microwave in 5-second bursts until just softened.

Q: Can I omit nuts for allergies?
A: Yes — replace nuts with chopped seeds or extra herbs and paprika for color and crunch.

Conclusion

For more ideas and inspiration, check out this cozy take on a cheese ball at Best Holiday Cheese Ball – Marie Bostwick and a classic version at Classic Cheese Ball Recipe – Tastes Better From Scratch. For another dessert-style option to serve alongside, you might also like the delicious homemade cheesecake recipe.