Food & Cooking Recipes Appetizers Cheese Ball 4.0 (68) This favorite appetizer is a winner at any party—and you only need five ingredients and 20 minutes to make it. Close Prep Time: 20 mins Total Time: 2 hrs 50 mins Servings: 16 Jump to recipe The cheese ball is an American classic—beloved at holiday parties, cocktail soirees, and game-day gatherings. Our cheese ball recipe is easy to make—it uses five ingredients and takes 20 minutes, though you’ll need to allow time to chill in the refrigerator before it’s ready to serve. We use cheddar and cream cheese with mustard and Worcestershire sauce to bring a lively touch to the creamy mixture. Chopped pecans are mixed in for crunch, a vital element in a cheese ball, and the ball is rolled in pecans for serving. You can make it ahead and store in the refrigerator—another reason a cheese ball makes the best party appetizer. Directions Combine cheeses and Worcestershire; add pecans: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat cream cheese with cheddar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a generous pinch of pepper until well combined. Mix in 1/4 cup pecans. Cover and refrigerate: Cover cheese mixture with plastic wrap, and chill at least 2 1/2 hours or up to overnight. Divide and shape: Divide the cheese mixture in half, and shape each half into a ball. Roll balls in pecans; chill: Spread remaining 3/4 cup pecans on a plate, and roll balls in pecans to coat completely, pressing nuts to adhere. Chill before serving. 5 More Cheesy Appetizer Recipes to Try Blue Cheese Spread Sausage and Cheddar Balls Hot Spinach Dip Easy Baked Brie With Pecans Cheddar Biscuits With Pecans