At any party that my mom threw when I was growing up I remember a cheese and cracker tray being present. (Hmm, I guess it isn’t such a big surprise that as an adult I’m a cheese fiend, now is it, lol?) Between my sister and I, I was always the one who my mom delegated the job of arranging the cheese tray. And I didn’t mind at all.
So now, when I’m hosting or going to a party and in need of a dish to pass, my mind wanders for a bit and then settles on a cheese tray. This month’s 5 Star Makeover theme was Tailgate Party and of course this is what came to mind. Thanks to Natasha and Laz for hosting the event!
To make things more interesting, I like to spice up my cheese trays…and a cheese ball is a fun way to (literally) add some spice. I usually do a mix of cream cheese and some kind of sharp hard cheese that’s been shredded, and the result is a soft, spreadable cheese. This cheese ball is slightly tangy and very flavorful with the spices used, but no one spice really overpowers another, and toasted pecans on the outside provide a fantastic crunch. In the end it reminds me of what I think of as pub cheese or pub spread.
There are so many different flavor variations that you can experiment with here. Crisped and crumbled turkey bacon and fresh minced scallion create a whole different experience. Or swap out cheddar for blue cheese, add minced fresh herbs instead of the Worcestershire and spices, and serve grapes along with the crackers. The possibilities are endless.
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 8 oz farmers cheese (no salt added)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
- Pulse together all ingredients in a food processor until it forms a smooth paste.
- Divide the mixture in half and roll each half into a ball. Put the cheese balls on a paper towel-lined plate, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 8 hours (or up to 3 days if you want to make it ahead).
- Before serving, roll each ball in pecans and them sit at room temperature for 45 minutes; serve with crackers.
I’m Faith Gorsky, the writer, cook, and photographer behind An Edible Mosaic. My goal is to inspire you to get in the kitchen and try something new! Feel free to 
Priscilla-She's Cookin' says
October 24, 2011 at 8:59 amLike you, I’m a cheese fiend, so cheese and crackers are always my go-to party food. A cheese ball, with its crunchy, nutty crust, certainly spices things up!
Nicole, RD says
October 24, 2011 at 9:48 amTurkey bacon on the outside of a cheese ball has got to be heavenly! Great photos, Faith! Saving this recipe for the holidays. Even though I’m not hosting, this would be simple to make and would travel well!
Lisa says
October 24, 2011 at 10:11 amBookmarked! I’m definitely making this—-yum!
Rosa says
October 24, 2011 at 10:24 amThat looks so good! What a great idea. Perfect with crackers and a glass of white wine.
Cheers,
Rosa
Krista says
October 24, 2011 at 10:55 amI made a cheese ball for one of the kid’s Halloween parties one year. I rolled it in poppy seeds and added pipe cleaner legs to make a spider! HAHA!
Cherine says
October 24, 2011 at 11:56 amA great idea. This cheese ball looks excellent
Linda says
October 24, 2011 at 12:03 pmOooooooh a cheese ball – I cannot think of anything more delicious! I am a cheese nut… nay, an addict, and I’d love to get my hands on one of these!
Lucy says
October 24, 2011 at 12:39 pmI’ve never seen a cheese ball like this before – such an interesting idea. Love the idea of adding minced scallions too.
Juliana says
October 24, 2011 at 3:35 pmOh! Your cheese ball spread looks delicious with all the spices in it…and so pretty how you presented.
Hope you have a great week ahead Faith :-)
Erica says
October 24, 2011 at 4:53 pmThis is a really great idea! I’ve never made a cheese ball. My Mom has cheese and crackers at pretty much every party too! They’re always a hit
BeadedTail says
October 24, 2011 at 5:53 pmI love cheese too and have always enjoyed cheese balls but was concerned about what was actually in them. I will certainly make this cheese ball! Thanks Faith!
Carolyn Jung says
October 24, 2011 at 11:01 pmI remember my parents buying these, too. Cheese balls are so retro and fun. Thankfully, they never go out of style, either.
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
October 25, 2011 at 4:11 amI’ve made something similar based on an Amy Sedaris recipe and people just love it! They’re not so much an Australian thing but that doesn’t seem to matter, they just love it! :)
Veronica Miller says
October 25, 2011 at 4:28 amI loooooove a good cheese ball and this one looks like a winner!
tania@mykitchenstories says
October 25, 2011 at 5:08 amA Tailgate party. Was not sure what that was, but the cheese ball looks very tasty.
Monet says
October 25, 2011 at 9:14 amCheeze balls (good ones) are some of my favorite appetizers during the holiday season. Thank you for sharing with me today. It is always a good day when I start with a visit to your blog. You know how to make me smile. Much love and many blessings from Austin.
Laz says
October 25, 2011 at 9:24 amFantastico. Love this cheesy goodness. Great flavor combo.
Love it.
Blond Duck says
October 25, 2011 at 10:18 amCan I just eat this for dinner?
Trix says
October 25, 2011 at 10:28 amThis is a dangerous thing, as I can consume cheese like nobody’s business! Beautiful photographs.
FOODESSA says
October 25, 2011 at 12:00 pmI can imagine the Worcestershire sauce gave a unique touch to this appetizing cheese ball. Love that you splurged on some pecans as well. Delizioso…for sure ;o)
Have a great day Faith.
Flavourful wishes,
Claudia
Stephanie says
October 25, 2011 at 2:34 pmYou made that? I’m so impressed! I’ve bought cheese balls before, but I’ve never tried to make one. Honestly, I’ve never even thought of making one! With the holidays right around the corner, I’m tucking this recipe away.
nancy at good food matters says
October 25, 2011 at 5:12 pmMy mom was the champion cheeseball maker, back in the day.I think her recipe was very similar to yours. It’s fun to bring back those once-loved, now-forgotten recipes.
Simply Life says
October 25, 2011 at 8:03 pmmy husband is telling me he wants me to make this as we drool over the photos!
Evelyne@CheapEthnicEatz says
October 25, 2011 at 10:18 pmI think we all grew up with a cheese ball in the family. now we are old enough to put a serious twist on it, like you have done beautifully. Roasted pecans a great touch.
Andrea @ Mosaic Ideas says
October 26, 2011 at 12:53 amHey this is Andrea again. This looks good and cheese balls are always popular at family gatherings. I wanted to let everyone know that I am giving away one of my mosaic mirrors. Come check it out.
Angie's Recipes says
October 26, 2011 at 12:43 pmLove this cheese ball! I could eat the whole portion easily and ask for more!
5 Star Foodie says
October 26, 2011 at 1:15 pmA yummy cheese ball! I like the pecan coating.
grace says
October 28, 2011 at 3:46 ami never go for the cheese ball at a party (unless it’s chipped beef–that, i can’t resist). that said, i really like the idea of coating the ball in nuts (and i did NOT intend for that to sound as lewd as it does–sorry!).
angela@spinachtiger says
October 28, 2011 at 8:44 amI would serve this at any party. It’s a win. Your cheeseboard is adorable. The nuts just make it soooo attractive.
Debi Shawcross says
October 28, 2011 at 9:14 amAhh, the nostalgic appeal of the cheese ball. Easy to see why it continues to be a party favorite!
Jessica says
October 28, 2011 at 10:29 amWhat is a party without cheese???? ;)
This is the most fabulous cheese ball I’ve ever seen! The colors and flavors! I must, must try this. I’m sure it would be a hit at any party. Fantastic job, Faith!
Tanantha says
October 28, 2011 at 4:28 pmMy in-laws love to have cheese ball and crackers at their party too! I like spices you used here and it’s perfect for our tailgate party, Faith!
Vicki Bensinger says
October 28, 2011 at 5:21 pmI grew up eating cheese balls as well. In fact my husband and I both love them. The first time I made one my kids were like, “what’s that” of course now they love them.
This is right up my alley and I’m certain our friends would devour it as well. Thanks for sharing – we must be close in age!
LeQuan says
October 29, 2011 at 1:39 pmWhat a fun way to serve cheese and crackers! Like I said in my other comment, genius! This one is definitely going into my bookmarks. The pecans add a nice contrast. Thank you for sharing this, Faith.
Marisa says
October 30, 2011 at 9:11 pmCould it really get much better than a ball of spreadable cheese?? This sounds so tasty and the presentation is great too!
deana says
November 1, 2011 at 6:39 amOh Faith, you brought back so many memories. My mother always made her famous cheese balls for her bridge parties (does anyone do that any more?). I thought they were wonderful and often got to eat the leftovers on ritz crackers (you couldn’t touch them before the party, of course… they had to be smooth and perfect). Lovely recipe and personal take on a classic!
Lori Lynn says
November 2, 2011 at 8:15 pmYou make a cheese ball look so elegant.
Everyone would devour this way before the kickoff.
Great contribution to the Cooking Group!
LL
Sonia - L'Exquisit says
November 20, 2011 at 4:40 amI prepared this cheese ball this weekend week and was delicious. Thanks for the recipe!
Kelly says
November 23, 2011 at 12:11 pmThis recipe looks so perfect, I want to make it for thanksgiving, but have not had any luck finding farmers cheese. I even had one place tell me they have never heard of it! Help!
Faith says
November 23, 2011 at 3:04 pmKelly, You could substitute ricotta for the farmers cheese, just be sure to drain the ricotta for a full day day in the fridge to remove any excess moisture. To drain it, line a colander with cheesecloth or paper coffee liners and spread the cheese in the colander; rest the colander on a bowl to catch the liquid that escapes. Cover the cheese with plastic wrap and place a heavy object on top to help press the liquid out. Let it sit like this in the fridge for 24 hours. (For step-by-step photos, you can see my post on making Greek-style yogurt, which is basically the same process.) Hope this helps! :)
Carol says
September 3, 2015 at 7:57 pmI have no idea what farmers cheese is. Can you explain and also tell me where to find it?
Faith says
September 4, 2015 at 8:24 amCarol, Farmers cheese is basically cottage cheese that has been pressed to remove the whey. The farmers cheese that I buy has a spreadable consistency, somewhere between ricotta and cream cheese. I like the Friendship brand of farmers cheese, and I buy it from my local grocery store (Wegmans). If you’re not able to find farmers cheese in your area, you could try using Queso Blanco (which can be found in Mexican markets or the ethnic area of larger grocery stores) or dry cottage cheese. You may have to reduce the amount of salt you add to this recipe if the cheese you use has salt (because the farmers cheese I use doesn’t have salt added). I hope this helps!
Chrystal says
October 15, 2018 at 10:21 pmWhat can you use in the place of farmers cheese?
Faith says
October 18, 2018 at 8:39 amChrystal, You could omit the farmers cheese and use 12 oz sharp cheddar and 12 oz cream cheese. Hope you enjoy this if you give it a try!