Bring a touch of holiday magic to your table with this White Christmas Pecan Cheese Ball a creamy, savory, and delightfully festive appetizer perfect for any gathering. Loaded with sharp cheddar, tangy blue cheese, and fresh green onions, then rolled in crunchy pecans, this crowd-pleasing cheese ball is the ultimate make-ahead treat for parties, potlucks, and family celebrations. Simple to prepare and always impressive, it’s a holiday classic that never disappoints.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Crackers or vegetable sticks for serving
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled blue cheese.
- Add the chopped green onions, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Shape the cheese mixture into a ball and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Once chilled, roll the cheese ball in the finely chopped pecans until fully coated.
- Transfer the cheese ball to a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve with an assortment of crackers or vegetable sticks for dipping.
Variation
- Cranberry Pecan Twist: Add 1/4 cup finely chopped dried cranberries to the cheese mixture for a sweet pop of holiday color and flavor. The tartness balances the richness beautifully.
- Smoky Bacon Upgrade: Mix in 1/4 cup cooked, crumbled bacon to introduce a savory, smoky note that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheeses.
- Herb Garden Version: Swap the green onions for a blend of fresh herbs like dill, chives, and parsley. This adds brightness and a fresh, aromatic finish to every bite.
Cooking Notes
- Softening the Cream Cheese: Letting the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes ensures it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Chilling is Key: The cheese ball needs time in the fridge to firm up. This helps it hold its shape and makes rolling it in pecans much easier.
- Customize the Coating: Pecans are classic, but feel free to use walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of nuts for different textures and flavors.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Charcuterie Board: Place the cheese ball at the center of a festive spread with sliced meats, crackers, nuts, and fruit for an elevated appetizer display.
- Vegetable Platter Pairing: Serve alongside crunchy veggie sticks like celery, carrots, or bell peppers for a lighter, refreshing option.
- Warm Bread Option: Pair with toasted baguette slices for guests who prefer a warm, hearty base to spread the creamy cheese onto.
Tips
- Prep Ahead for Convenience: Make the cheese ball up to 24 hours in advance. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to fully develop.
- Adjust the Texture: For a firmer cheese ball, add a bit more shredded cheddar. For a smoother version, increase the cream cheese slightly.
- Season to Taste: Taste the mixture before shaping different brands of cheese vary in saltiness, so adjust your seasoning accordingly.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: ~9 g
- Sodium: ~420 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I freeze a cheese ball?
Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 1 month just thaw in the refrigerator before serving. - Can I make this without blue cheese?
Absolutely. Replace the blue cheese with extra cheddar or even pepper jack for a mellower flavor. - How long does a cheese ball last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for 4–5 days. - What nuts work best for coating?
Pecans are most traditional, but walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios work wonderfully for added color and crunch.
Conclusion
This White Christmas Pecan Cheese Ball brings together classic holiday flavors in a simple yet elegant appetizer that’s guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or contributing to a potluck, this creamy, crunchy, and beautifully seasoned cheese ball is sure to become a go-to favorite year after year. Enjoy every delicious, celebratory bite!
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White Christmas Pecan Cheese Ball
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bring a touch of holiday magic to your table with this White Christmas Pecan Cheese Ball a creamy, savory, and delightfully festive appetizer perfect for any gathering. Loaded with sharp cheddar, tangy blue cheese, and fresh green onions, then rolled in crunchy pecans, this crowd-pleasing cheese ball is the ultimate make-ahead treat for parties, potlucks, and family celebrations. Simple to prepare and always impressive, it’s a holiday classic that never disappoints.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Crackers or vegetable sticks for serving
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled blue cheese.
- Add the chopped green onions, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Shape the cheese mixture into a ball and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Once chilled, roll the cheese ball in the finely chopped pecans until fully coated.
- Transfer the cheese ball to a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve with an assortment of crackers or vegetable sticks for dipping.
Notes
- Softening the Cream Cheese: Letting the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes ensures it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Chilling is Key: The cheese ball needs time in the fridge to firm up. This helps it hold its shape and makes rolling it in pecans much easier.
- Customize the Coating: Pecans are classic, but feel free to use walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of nuts for different textures and flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~1/8 of cheese ball
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: ~2 g
- Sodium: ~420 mg
- Fat: ~28 g
- Saturated Fat: ~12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~5 g
- Fiber: ~1 g
- Protein: ~9 g
- Cholesterol: ~45 mg
Keywords: cheese ball, holiday appetizer, Christmas recipe, pecan cheese ball, party dip