Cheeseballs

Discover the ultimate neighborhood favorite cheeseball recipe—a delicious mashup of two classic recipes combined into one irresistible party hit. Cream cheese, pecans, green onions, and endless ways to make it your own. Perfect for holidays or any gathering!

Love & Marriage

This cheeseball is one of my best mashups — a marriage of two different friends’ cheeseball recipes, combined into what I confidently call the ONLY cheeseball you will ever need or love.

One year my future son-in-law was the only one around to help me deliver them because Supreme Commander had taken the bride-to-be (Maia) and Marah to Magic Mountain and their return was delayed…Ricky is (and was) a gem and jumped right in. Imagine landing in your future spouse’s state, their mom picks you up, and you are whisked away on a cheesy adventure. Sometimes you just gotta go with the flow. And boy did he!

The Legend of the Cheeseball

Marriage is a legally binding contract that brings two families together. This recipe? It brings together two awesome ideas into something that might just become a legend in your own neighborhood.

Around here, December is full of sweet treats and punny gifts from friends and neighbors. But our tradition is a little different: we don’t reciprocate with sweets. Instead, those neighbors’ names go on “the list.” Then, on December 31st, I haul out my trusty Bosch mixer, roast and chop a whole pan of pecans, chop a mountain of green onions, and soften multiple 3-pound bricks of cream cheese to get this party started.

I am astonished that I didn’t take any pictures of the pile of green onions it takes for this recipe. This is my 3x batch in the Bosch. I typically make 40+ cheeseballs on New Year’s Eve.

At some point during the cheeseball assembly line, our family gathers to write a few short verses — recapping the year past and wishing a happy new one — then the cheeseballs head out for delivery. We’ve even shared them with folks outside our neighborhood! This year, though, we switched things up and had people come to us to pick up their cheeseballs. Who knows what next year will bring? I’m sharing the recipe here so you can enjoy the magic yourself just in case you’re not on my cheeseball list (maybe you would be if you lived closer!).

Surprise! There Is Cheese In Here

Last year, a neighbor stopped by early and said, “Wait, there’s no cheese in your cheeseball?” I had to remind them that cream cheese is cheese! If you want, you can add shredded or crumbled cheese for extra oomph, but I stand behind this recipe as written. For us, it’s the only cheeseball we’ll ever love — we’re married to it, forever.

Make It Your Own

Over the years, some favorite variations have included shredded cheese (also real cheese!), bacon bits, salsa, fig and bleu cheese… honestly, any flavor combo you love that works well cold will pair beautifully with this umami ball of lusciousness.

How to Serve It (Or Not…)

Serve with crackers or raw veggies. Some friends confess they hide their cheeseballs and ration bites over several days. Honestly, there’s no need! Make one or two and share the love — or don’t. No judgment here.

You can also make this as a dip by skipping the ball-shaping step. Just spread it out in a dish, sprinkle the nuts over the top, and watch it disappear. People will love it so much, they might want to marry it too. Promise!

FAQs

Got questions? I got answers. Here’s the lowdown on this cheeseball everyone’s talking about.

Q: Is there really cheese in this cheeseball?
A: Yep, cream cheese is definitely cheese! If you want to get fancy, add some shredded or crumbled cheese, but honestly, it’s perfect as is.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Totally! In fact, it’s even better after it chills for a few hours or overnight. Flavors just get happier hanging out.

Q: How long will it last in the fridge?
A: About 5 days if you keep it covered — but fair warning, it might not last that long because it’s that good.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: You can, but the texture might get a little weird once it thaws. So my opinion is that fresh or chilled is definitely the way to go.

Q: What should I serve it with?
A: Crackers, raw veggies, pita chips — whatever you like to dip! Just don’t forget the snacks.

Q: Can I just serve it as a dip instead of a ball?
A: For sure! Skip the ball shaping and spread it out. Sprinkle the nuts on top and you’re all set.

There you have it — cheeseball wisdom from me to you. Now go make this legendary snack and share (or don’t, no judgment) the love!

Real cheese. Real kitchens. Real love. — The Food Civilian