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Classic Dads Cheeseball Recipe Easy Homemade Party Favorite

classic dads cheeseball recipe - featured image

A nostalgic and easy-to-make cheeseball combining sharp cheddar and cream cheese with a crunchy pecan coating, perfect for parties and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 12 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives
  • Assorted crackers, pretzels, or sliced baguette (for serving)
  • Fresh vegetable sticks like celery, carrots, or bell peppers (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese by taking it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before starting.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Mix with an electric mixer or sturdy spoon until fully combined and creamy, about 3–5 minutes.
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up the mixture.
  4. Scoop the mixture onto plastic wrap or parchment paper and shape into a tight ball about 5–6 inches in diameter. Twist the wrap to keep the shape firm and place on a plate.
  5. Toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Let cool slightly.
  6. Mix toasted nuts with chopped parsley or chives.
  7. Roll the shaped cheeseball in the nut mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly.
  8. Wrap the cheeseball again and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
  9. Serve on a platter surrounded by crackers and fresh veggies.

Notes

Bring cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps. Toast nuts for extra flavor and crunch. Chill mixture twice for best texture and shape. Can be made ahead and tastes better after overnight chilling. For dairy-free, use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan cheddar. For nut-free, replace nuts with almond flour or seeds.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheeseball, party appetizer, easy recipe, sharp cheddar, cream cheese, pecans, holiday appetizer, crowd-pleaser