Simple Cheese Ball Recipe

This Simple Cheese Ball Recipe is the kind of easy appetizer that makes entertaining a breeze, especially when you want something with minimal ingredients and plenty of charm. Comes together in minutes and makes a festive addition to any holiday spread. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that is simple, satisfying, and holiday-ready, this is the one to try next.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Click HERE to read my policies.

This post was originally posted on 12/28/2020 and updated on 12/11/2025.

After spending years building countless holiday menus for my own family, I have crafted this cheese ball to be reliably delicious and incredibly simple to make. My family has helped me taste test variations through the years, and this version always disappears fastest. With so much practice and the family approval behind it, you can trust that this recipe will become an entertaining go-to in your kitchen.

Simple Cheese Ball Recipe Ingredients

• Cream Cheese
• Shredded Gruyere Cheese
• Shredded Swiss Cheese
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Salt
• Black Pepper
• Dried Parsley

How to Make Cheese Ball with Cream Cheese

1. In a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, or with a large bowl and hand beater, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and there are no lumps.
2. On low speed mix in shredded cheeses, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and black pepper until the cheese is well incorporated.

3. Scrape sides of bowl with spatula and form the cheese into a ball, no need to be perfect it will get shaped later.
4. Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and then form the cheese into a more smoother ball.
5. Chill the cheese ball for at least 1 hour.

6. Unwrap and shape the ball into a more smooth ball if needed.
7. Roll the cheese ball in parsley, or sprinkle the parsley over the ball and gently pat it down.
8. Let rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Make it Ahead

This is a great recipe to make 1-2 days ahead. Once the parsley is all over the cheese ball, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge. If you decide to add chopped nuts to the outside, add those before you set the cheese ball out to come to room temperature. If you store the nuts on the cheese for too long, they will lose their crunch.

Serving this Simple Cheese Ball

Cheese balls are usually served with an assortment of crackers, but they can be served with so many other things too. Here is a variety of ideas:

• Assortment of Crackers
• Variety of Veggies
• Bagel or Pita Chips
• Pretzels
• Bagels, cut into bite size pieces
• Sliced Deli Meat
• Pita Bread
• Thinly Sliced Baguette or French Bread

If easy cream cheese dips are your kind of appetizer, you will also enjoy my Everything Bagel Dip and Yogurt Fruit Dip for quick and tasty additions to any spread.

How Long Can a Cheese Ball Sit Out

Once the cheese ball has come to room temperature it should not sit out for more than 2 hours. If you need it longer, you can put a larger serving plate with ice or ice packs covered with a towel under the cheese ball plate to keep it safer longer.

Storing Cream Cheese Ball

Store any leftover cheese ball in a container or wrapped in plastic in the fridge. It will last at least 5 days in the fridge.

Tips for Simple Cheese Ball Recipe

• Use softened cream cheese so the mixing is a lot easier.
• Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has an anti-caking agent and additives that can alter the texture and flavor.
• Serve the cheese ball at room temperature so it is easier to carve and spread.
• Get creative! You can form and shape it into anything you want, snowman, log, tree, etc...

More Party Dip Recipes:

• Easy Corn Dip
• Crock Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip
• Homemade Guacamole 
• Homemade Queso Cheese Dip
• Onion Soup Mix Dip