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Home » Recipes » Appetizers » Cheddar Cheese Ball Appetizer (aka Cheddar Pub Spread)

Cheddar Cheese Ball Appetizer (aka Cheddar Pub Spread)

December 11, 2019 by Faith 44 Comments

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If you’re looking for the best crowd-pleasing easy appetizer, look no further than this Cheddar Cheese Ball recipe!

Cheddar Cheese Ball Appetizer (Or Cheddar Pub Spread)

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, 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. Whether it’s the holiday season, a birthday party, tailgating gathering, or anything in between. A homemade cheese ball fits any occasion!

Cheddar Cheese Ball Appetizer (Or Cheddar Pub Spread) 2

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 use a mix of cheddar cheese and cream cheese, and the end result is a soft, spreadable cheese.

It’s slightly tangy and very flavorful with just a couple spices, but no one spice really overpowers another.

The toasted pecans on the outside provide a fantastic crunch.

This Cheddar Cheese Ball Appetizer 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. 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 flavor possibilities are endless when it comes to a cheese ball!

Cheddar Cheese Ball Appetizer with Description

What Is a Cheese Ball Made Of?

The two main ingredients in a cheese ball are cream cheese and a semi-hard cheese, such as cheddar or a semi-soft cheese, such as blue.

Additionally, cheese balls can be flavored with herbs, spices, or other flavorings, such as Worcestershire sauce.

Frequently, cheese balls are rolled in nuts and/or herbs, which adds another level of flavor and texture.

Cheddar Cheese Ball on Wooden Tray with White Linen in Background

What Goes With a Cheese Ball?

You can serve anything with a cheese ball that you would serve on a cheese board.

Here are a few examples of foods that pair well with cheese:

  • Fresh seasonal fruit, such as apple, pear, figs, grapes, pomegranate, etc.
  • Jams
  • Nuts, such as pecans or almonds
  • Cornichons, or other types of pickles
  • Olives
  • Dark chocolate
  • Homemade crackers or store-bought crackers

How Long Are Cheddar Cheese Balls Good For?

Once this cheese ball recipe is made, you can wrap it in plastic wrap and keep it stored in the fridge for up to 5 days before serving.

Cheddar Cheese Ball on Wooden Tray with White Linen in Background

More Cheesy Appetizer Inspiration:

  • Pimento Cheese
  • Cheese Straws
  • Zucchini and Goat Cheese Stacks with Fresh Mint, Pine Nuts, and Crispy Prosciutto
  • Cheesy Spinach Dip
  • Blue Cheese Crostini with Pecans and Honey
  • Baked Brie with Warm Honeyed Grapes and Walnuts

Cheddar Cheese Ball Appetizer (Or Cheddar Pub Spread) 3
Did you make this recipe? Please rate it and leave a comment below because I love hearing from you! You can also tag @anediblemosaic on social media. To stay up-to-date FOLLOW ME on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Xoxo, Faith

Cheddar Cheese Ball on Wooden Tray with White Linen in Background

Cheddar Cheese Ball Appetizer (aka Cheddar Pub Spread)

If you’re looking for the best crowd-pleasing easy appetizer, look no further than this Cheddar Cheese Ball Appetizer!
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 168kcal
Author: Faith Gorsky

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar shredded
  • 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
  • 8 ounces Farmers cheese no salt added
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup pecans toasted and chopped

Instructions

  • Pulse together all ingredients in a food processor until it forms a smooth paste.
  • Divide 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 overnight. (This lets the flavors blend and drains out any excess liquid.)
  • The next day, either serve the cheese balls or wrap each in plastic wrap. Wrapped in plastic wrap, the cheese balls will keep for up to 5 days in the fridge.
  • Right before serving, roll each ball in pecans and them sit at room temperature for 45 minutes.
  • Serve with crackers or anything else you like.

Helpful Tips

  • Net Carbs: 1g per serving
  • This recipe makes 2 large cheese balls. Each cheese ball serves 8 (so the total recipe, which makes 2 cheese balls, yields 16 servings).
  • Cheese balls are fun to play with the flavor profiles! Swap out whatever kind of cheddar is your favorite, and use your favorite kind of nuts for coating.

Nutrition

Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 234mg | Potassium: 68mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 397IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 121mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @anediblemosaic or tag #anediblemosaic!

Easy Cheese Ball Recipe Pin

This post was first published on An Edible Mosaic on October 24, 2011. It was updated with more information on December 11, 2019.

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links to products I believe in, which means that even though it doesn’t cost you anything extra, I will receive a small amount of money from the sale of these items. Thank you for helping to support An Edible Mosaic!

Filed Under: Appetizers, Gluten Free, Low Carb Tagged: Appetizers, Cheddar, Cheddar Cheese Ball, Cheese, Cheese Ball, Game Day Foods, Party Foods, Pub Cheese, Pub Spread, Recipes, Snacks

Comments

  1. Chrystal says

    October 15, 2018 at 10:21 pm

    What can you use in the place of farmers cheese?

    Reply
    • Faith says

      October 18, 2018 at 8:39 am

      Chrystal, 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!

      Reply
  2. Carol says

    September 3, 2015 at 7:57 pm

    I have no idea what farmers cheese is. Can you explain and also tell me where to find it?

    Reply
    • Faith says

      September 4, 2015 at 8:24 am

      Carol, 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!

      Reply
  3. Kelly says

    November 23, 2011 at 12:11 pm

    This 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!

    Reply
    • Faith says

      November 23, 2011 at 3:04 pm

      Kelly, 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! :)

      Reply
  4. Sonia - L'Exquisit says

    November 20, 2011 at 4:40 am

    I prepared this cheese ball this weekend week and was delicious. Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
  5. Lori Lynn says

    November 2, 2011 at 8:15 pm

    You make a cheese ball look so elegant.
    Everyone would devour this way before the kickoff.
    Great contribution to the Cooking Group!
    LL

    Reply
  6. deana says

    November 1, 2011 at 6:39 am

    Oh 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!

    Reply
  7. Marisa says

    October 30, 2011 at 9:11 pm

    Could it really get much better than a ball of spreadable cheese?? This sounds so tasty and the presentation is great too!

    Reply
  8. LeQuan says

    October 29, 2011 at 1:39 pm

    What 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.

    Reply
  9. Vicki Bensinger says

    October 28, 2011 at 5:21 pm

    I 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!

    Reply
  10. Tanantha says

    October 28, 2011 at 4:28 pm

    My 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!

    Reply
  11. Jessica says

    October 28, 2011 at 10:29 am

    What 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!

    Reply
  12. Debi Shawcross says

    October 28, 2011 at 9:14 am

    Ahh, the nostalgic appeal of the cheese ball. Easy to see why it continues to be a party favorite!

    Reply
  13. [email protected] says

    October 28, 2011 at 8:44 am

    I would serve this at any party. It’s a win. Your cheeseboard is adorable. The nuts just make it soooo attractive.

    Reply
  14. grace says

    October 28, 2011 at 3:46 am

    i 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!).

    Reply
  15. 5 Star Foodie says

    October 26, 2011 at 1:15 pm

    A yummy cheese ball! I like the pecan coating.

    Reply
  16. Angie's Recipes says

    October 26, 2011 at 12:43 pm

    Love this cheese ball! I could eat the whole portion easily and ask for more!

    Reply
  17. Andrea @ Mosaic Ideas says

    October 26, 2011 at 12:53 am

    Hey 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.

    Reply
  18. [email protected] says

    October 25, 2011 at 10:18 pm

    I 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.

    Reply
  19. Simply Life says

    October 25, 2011 at 8:03 pm

    my husband is telling me he wants me to make this as we drool over the photos!

    Reply
  20. nancy at good food matters says

    October 25, 2011 at 5:12 pm

    My 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.

    Reply
  21. Stephanie says

    October 25, 2011 at 2:34 pm

    You 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.

    Reply
  22. FOODESSA says

    October 25, 2011 at 12:00 pm

    I 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

    Reply
  23. Trix says

    October 25, 2011 at 10:28 am

    This is a dangerous thing, as I can consume cheese like nobody’s business! Beautiful photographs.

    Reply
  24. Blond Duck says

    October 25, 2011 at 10:18 am

    Can I just eat this for dinner?

    Reply
  25. Laz says

    October 25, 2011 at 9:24 am

    Fantastico. Love this cheesy goodness. Great flavor combo.

    Love it.

    Reply
  26. Monet says

    October 25, 2011 at 9:14 am

    Cheeze 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.

    Reply
  27. [email protected] says

    October 25, 2011 at 5:08 am

    A Tailgate party. Was not sure what that was, but the cheese ball looks very tasty.

    Reply
  28. Veronica Miller says

    October 25, 2011 at 4:28 am

    I loooooove a good cheese ball and this one looks like a winner!

    Reply
  29. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says

    October 25, 2011 at 4:11 am

    I’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! :)

    Reply
  30. Carolyn Jung says

    October 24, 2011 at 11:01 pm

    I remember my parents buying these, too. Cheese balls are so retro and fun. Thankfully, they never go out of style, either.

    Reply
  31. BeadedTail says

    October 24, 2011 at 5:53 pm

    I 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!

    Reply
  32. Erica says

    October 24, 2011 at 4:53 pm

    This 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

    Reply
  33. Juliana says

    October 24, 2011 at 3:35 pm

    Oh! 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 :-)

    Reply
  34. Lucy says

    October 24, 2011 at 12:39 pm

    I’ve never seen a cheese ball like this before – such an interesting idea. Love the idea of adding minced scallions too.

    Reply
  35. Linda says

    October 24, 2011 at 12:03 pm

    Oooooooh 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!

    Reply
  36. Cherine says

    October 24, 2011 at 11:56 am

    A great idea. This cheese ball looks excellent

    Reply
  37. Krista says

    October 24, 2011 at 10:55 am

    I 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!

    Reply
  38. Rosa says

    October 24, 2011 at 10:24 am

    That looks so good! What a great idea. Perfect with crackers and a glass of white wine.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    Reply
  39. Lisa says

    October 24, 2011 at 10:11 am

    Bookmarked! I’m definitely making this—-yum!

    Reply
  40. Nicole, RD says

    October 24, 2011 at 9:48 am

    Turkey 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!

    Reply
  41. Priscilla-She's Cookin' says

    October 24, 2011 at 8:59 am

    Like 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!

    Reply

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Hello! I’m Faith and I write An Edible Mosaic. This is my recipe collection of international favorites and updated American classics, with an emphasis on seasonal dishes. I focus on real foods that sustain body and mind, bring people together, and make a house a home. Welcome to my mosaic of recipes.

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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 email me with questions or comments.

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