Name: Cheddar Green Onion Nut-Crusted Cheese Ball Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature; 1 1/2 cups shredded white sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 green onions, sliced; A few dashes of hot sauce; 1 cup finely chopped pecans; Crackers, cut up vegetables, or baguette slices, for serving

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Introduction

This classic cheese ball is a creamy and flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings and parties. Packed with sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and a hint of garlic and hot sauce, it’s both tangy and smooth. Coated with crunchy pecans, it pairs beautifully with crackers and fresh veggies.

A round cheese ball covered fully with cut pecans, showing a rich brown color and rough texture from the nuts. It sits on the right side of a white plate, surrounded by two types of crackers: small round golden crackers on the left and rectangular light beige crackers on the right. The plate rests on a textured white cloth with fringed edges, placed on a round wooden board. In the background, there are green onions on the white marbled surface with some cracker pieces scattered around, and a small bowl with more pecans. A silver knife lies to the left of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups shredded white sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 green onions, sliced
A few dashes of hot sauce
1 cup finely chopped pecans
Crackers, cut up vegetables, or baguette slices, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and mix until just combined. Then add the garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, sliced green onions, and hot sauce. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 2: Spoon the cheese mixture onto a large sheet of plastic wrap and shape it into a ball. Wrap the ball tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up.
Step 3: When ready to serve, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator. Spread the chopped pecans on a plate. Unwrap the cheese ball and gently roll it in the pecans, coating evenly. Place the coated cheese ball on a serving plate and serve with crackers, cut-up vegetables, or baguette slices.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding finely chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley to the cheese mixture.
Substitute pecans with chopped walnuts or almonds for a different nutty crunch.
If you prefer a milder taste, reduce or omit the hot sauce.
To make preparation easier, chill the cream cheese overnight beforehand.

Storage

Store the cheese ball in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 5 days. Before serving leftovers, allow the cheese ball to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly for easier spreading.

How to Serve

A round cheese ball covered completely with whole pecan halves, giving it a textured, dark brown outer layer. It sits in the center of a white plate, which is surrounded by two types of crackers arranged in a loose ring: golden round crackers with scalloped edges on the left and square light brown crackers with small holes on the right. The plate rests on a white textured cloth placed over a wooden board, all set on a white marbled surface. A vintage silver butter knife lies to the left side of the plate, next to some scattered crackers and a few green onion stalks in the upper left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the cheese ball ahead of time?

Yes, it’s best to prepare the cheese ball at least one hour ahead to allow it to firm up in the fridge, and it can be made up to 2 days before serving.

What can I use if I don’t have a stand mixer?

You can use a hand mixer or simply stir the cream cheese and shredded cheese together with a sturdy spoon until well combined, though it may take a little more effort to get smooth.