Thanksgiving is one of those magical times when family and friends gather around the table, sharing laughter, stories, and, of course, delicious food! One dish that never fails to steal the spotlight at our Thanksgiving gatherings is my beloved cheese ball. This *cheese ball Thanksgiving* recipe has become a family favorite over the years, and it’s so easy to see why. Every bite is creamy, cheesy goodness, and it’s perfect for snacking while we wait for the turkey to roast. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked for the recipe! It’s simple, quick to prepare, and always a hit with both kids and adults alike. Trust me, once you make this cheese ball, it’ll become a staple at your holiday celebrations too!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
How to Prepare the Cheese Ball Thanksgiving
Making this cheese ball is as fun as it is delicious! Trust me, you’re going to love how easy it is to whip this up, and it’ll be ready to impress your guests in no time. Let’s get started on creating this creamy, cheesy masterpiece!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab a mixing bowl and combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. I like to use a spatula or a wooden spoon to really get everything mixed together well.
- Next, add in the finely chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This is where the flavor really starts to shine! Mix everything until it’s well combined—don’t be afraid to use your hands if that helps!
- Now comes the fun part! Form the mixture into a ball shape. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; each cheese ball has its own personality!
- If you’re using dried cranberries, roll the cheese ball in the chopped pecans and cranberries to coat it. This adds a lovely crunch and a festive touch that’s just perfect for Thanksgiving.
- Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This helps it firm up and allows those delicious flavors to meld together.
- When you’re ready to serve, simply take it out of the fridge, unwrap it, and place it on a beautiful serving platter. I love to serve it with an assortment of crackers or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 15 minutes plus chilling time!
- Rich and creamy flavor that everyone will rave about.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for all your guests.
- Versatile—serve it with crackers, veggies, or even on a cheese board.
- Festive and colorful, adding a beautiful touch to your Thanksgiving table.
- Perfect for make-ahead convenience—just prepare it the day before!
- Kids and adults alike will love this cheesy delight!
Tips for Success
To make the best cheese ball, feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste! If you love a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños. For storage, keep any leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the fridge, and it should last for up to a week. If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts or almonds work great too! And don’t forget, making this ahead of time only enhances the flavors, so prep it a day before your gathering for maximum deliciousness!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying this delightful cheese ball, it’s good to know what you’re munching on! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Here’s a typical breakdown for one serving (1 ounce) of this cheese ball:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
This cheesy goodness is not only delicious but also quite satisfying. Enjoy it as part of your Thanksgiving feast, knowing exactly what you’re indulging in!
FAQ Section
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it a day in advance. Allowing the cheese ball to chill overnight not only helps it firm up but also enhances the flavors. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What can I serve it with?
You can’t go wrong with an assortment of crackers—choose your favorites for a nice variety! Fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, or bell peppers also pair beautifully. If you’re feeling fancy, add it to a cheese board with some fruit and cured meats for a stunning presentation.
Can I use different cheeses?
Yes, definitely! While I love the classic combination of cream cheese and cheddar, feel free to experiment. You could try using flavored cream cheese, like herb or garlic, or switch up the cheddar for something like pepper jack for a little kick. Just keep in mind that the texture might change slightly.
How long will leftovers last?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare at my gatherings!), just wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to a week. Just give it a quick taste test before serving again!
Can I freeze the cheese ball?
You can freeze it, but I recommend doing so without the nuts. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, roll it in nuts before serving!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your cheese ball properly is key to keeping it fresh and delicious! If you have any leftovers (which is pretty rare!), simply wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for up to a week, so you can enjoy those cheesy bites for a few days after your Thanksgiving feast!
When you’re ready to serve it again, take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This helps soften it up a bit, making it even more spreadable and tasty. Enjoy it with your favorite crackers or veggies for a delightful snack anytime!
Print
Cheese Ball Thanksgiving: 5 Creamy Delights to Savor
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious cheese ball perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and cheddar cheese.
- Add green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into a ball shape.
- Roll the cheese ball in chopped pecans and cranberries if using.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Serve with crackers or vegetable sticks.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- You can substitute other nuts if preferred.
- Make ahead and store in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ounce
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: cheese ball thanksgiving, appetizer, holiday recipes
