Easy Appetizer Classic Cheeseball Recipe

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This cheese ball is next level delicious with savory, salty, cheesy and sweet notes all in one bite. It goes together quickly and will be a favorite at your next get together. You’re going to absolutely love this throwback to a classic with just a few special touches. It makes the perfect appetizer for any meal or a great treat for a night in of Netflix and chill.

Now let’s get right to the good stuff…

how to make classic cheese ball dip

INGREDIENTS:

Gather your ingredients and get ready to make this amazing dip. You’re going to want to make it every week. This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • 2 8oz packages cream cheese (softened)
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 Tbsp horseradish
  • ½ cup crumbled bacon
  • Dan-O’s Dips Ranch 1 oz packet
  • 1 small shallot finely minced
  • ½ cup crushed honey roasted pecans
  • Salt to taste

ingredient information:

  • Cream cheese: We prefer using Philadelphia brand cream cheese for this dip, though any brand will work. If you haven’t had a chance to leave it out to soften, just pop it in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds.
  • Sour cream: Our favorite brand of sour cream is Daisy for both the flavor and texture. You should use your favorite. This can also be swapped out for Greek yogurt.
  • Bacon: Thick cut apple wood smoked bacon is recommended for this recipe, though you can use any bacon that you have on hand. If using a thinner bacon, add a couple of extra strips to the recipe.
  • Ranch seasoning: You can use any Ranch seasoning for this recipe, including your own homemade version. We chose Dan-O’s for its bold flavor.
  • Shallot: The mild flavor of a shallot pairs perfectly with this dip, but you can also use sweet onion if it’s diced very finely. For a stronger onion flavor, use green onions instead.
  • Cheddar cheese: There’s a reason why cheddar cheese is so popular…it’s freakin’ delicious! Choose your level of sharpness for this recipe. You can buy pre-shredded, but grating it yourself is really the way to go. It will combine with the other ingredients better and has a better flavor since it doesn’t include anti-caking agents.
  • Horseradish: You can skip the horseradish. I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. But I definitely wouldn’t. It really elevates the flavor.
  • Honey roasted pecans: We chose to skip the prep and buy our honey roasted pecans HERE. It’s a big enough bag to use for several recipes. But if you enjoy the process and want to make your own, this recipe from Cooking with Carlee is just the thing.

instructions:

Stick around to the end, and I’ll give you a few tips to really make this dip your own.

  1. Prepare your bacon by cooking 6 to 8 thick strips to crisp, allow to cool and then crumble.
  2. Finely mince the shallot and add it to a mixing bowl.
  3. Add the cream cheese, horseradish, Ranch seasoning packet and sour cream to the bowl and combine the ingredients.
  4. Grate your cheddar cheese and add it to the bowl.
  5. Add the bacon crumbles and combine the ingredients.
  6. Lay out some cling wrap on your work surface and pour the mixture out onto the wrap.
  7. Cover the mixture in the cling wrap, doubling if needed and form it into a ball. Place it in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours.
  8. Remove the cheese ball from the fridge and roll it in the pecans.
easy classic cheese ball served on a cracker
  • mincing shallots
  • grating the cheddar cheese to make a classic cheese ball
  • adding cheddar cheese and cream cheese to a bowl to make a classic cheese ball
  • adding bacon to a bowl to make a classic cheese ball
  • adding horse radish to a bowl to make a classic cheese ball
  • adding sour cream to a bowl to make a classic cheese ball
  • adding ranch mix to a bowl to make a classic cheese ball
  • mixing the ingredients to make a classic cheese ball
  • transferring the ingredients from a bowl to cling wrap to make a classic cheese ball
  • forming the ingredients into a ball to create a classic cheese ball
  • covering the cheese ball in crushed honey roasted pecans
  • easy classic cheese ball served on a cracker

my recipe tips

  • Cheese options: We chose to use cheddar in this recipe for it’s sharp flavor and for how it compliments the other flavors. Other cheeses that would also work include Provolone, Monterey Jack, Fontina, Havarti, Colby Jack, or Gouda.
  • Spice it up: Even though this recipe has a bit of horse radish in it, there is not much heat. If you’re a person who likes your food a bit spicier, you can add some red chili flakes or even a splash of hot sauce of your choice. You could also drizzle on some hot honey at the time of serving.
  • Make it your own: A cheese ball is really just a bunch of foods with flavors that you love, combined into a ball with some cream cheese to bind it all together. With that in mind, play a little. Don’t mess with the base of the cream cheese and sour cream, but feel free to add things like other cheeses, pepperoni or salami pieces, capers, veggies like chopped peppers or celery, corn, nuts on the inside, garlic, or various herbs and spices. You can give it a Greek flare with some feta and olives or a Mexican flavor with jalapenos and diced tomatoes. Enjoy!

recipe video

🍽️ serving ideas

There are lots of things that you can dip into this delicious cheddar, bacon ranch cheese ball, but our favorite is simple Captains Wafer crackers. You can also just use chunks of rustic bread, pretzel crackers, store made toasties, bagel chips or soft pretzel pieces. If you want a healthier version, use celery sticks or baby carrots.

If you’re having a get together with lots of appetizers, this dip recipe is great alongside this Italian sub dip and this waffle cone dip. Then there will be a little something for everyone.

do we have a preferred cream cheese brand?

Yes!!! I understand that this is a personal preference, but I always use Philadelphia cream cheese (even though Philly is our sports rival here in Pittsburgh). There’s just something about the taste. That being said, any cream cheese brand will work just fine. So, stick with your favorite brand when making this dip.

what if i don’t have a food processor?

If you don’t have a food processor or mini food processor like we used (I highly recommend this KitchenAid mini food processor), you can still finish this cheese ball off with the crushed nuts.

No food process, No problem! I liked using it for the speed and efficiency for crushing the pecans, but you can also do this by hand. Just put them in a sealed ziploc, place them on a cutting board and give them some hard whacks with the back of a large spoon until they are in smaller pieces.

easy classic cheese ball served on a cracker

recipe notes

  • Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best results for this super yummy dip.
  • Storage: Keep leftovers (if you even have any) covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days. I don’t recommend freezing this dip, as it may affect the texture.
  • Dip prep: You can and should prepare this cheese ball ahead of time.

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