These Christmas cheese balls are the easiest holiday appetizer you’ll ever make—and they look like you spent way more time than you did.
They’re full of flavor, rolled in festive coatings, and perfect for parties, potlucks, or cozy nights with friends.
You can serve them with crackers, veggies, or just eat them straight. No judgment here.
What You’ll Need
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
Why I Love This Recipe
This is one of those recipes I make every single year, no matter what. My mom used to set these out right before Christmas Eve dinner, and I remember sneaking bites when no one was looking. I love how simple they are to throw together, and they always add that little bit of wow to the table.
- Great make-ahead option for busy holidays
- No cooking or baking required
- Easy to customize with what you have
- Pretty enough for any holiday table
- Everyone always wants the recipe
Servings and Time
Makes: 3 medium cheese balls or 18 mini ones
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time (optional): 15 minutes
Total Time: 20–35 minutes
Macros (Per medium cheese ball, approx.)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fat: 34g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Cream cheese is the base—it’s soft, spreadable, and neutral, which makes it perfect for mixing in flavors. Cheddar cheese adds a tangy, salty bite. Diced bell pepper and green onions give freshness and crunch. The outer coatings give contrast in flavor and texture, from nutty to sweet to herbaceous. The balance of creamy inside and textured outside is what makes these irresistible.
Common Mistakes
- Too cold cream cheese: Makes mixing hard. Let it soften.
- Uneven coating pieces: Chop toppings small so they stick better.
- Overloading the mix-ins: Too much can mess with the texture. Stick to the measurements.
- Skipping the chill step: Helps firm up the cheese and makes rolling easier.
What to Serve With
- Buttery crackers
- Crostini or toasted bread slices
- Pretzels
- Veggie sticks like carrots, celery, or cucumber
- A glass of bubbly or a festive cocktail
FAQ
Can I use a different cheese?
Yep! Try pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or gouda for fun twists.
Do I have to make them into balls?
Nope. You can press the mixture into a small dish and serve as a spread.
How long do they last in the fridge?
Up to 5 days, tightly wrapped or in a sealed container.
Can I make these nut-free?
Absolutely. Just skip the pecan coating and stick with herbs or veggies.
Make Ahead Tips
- You can make the cheese ball mixture 2–3 days ahead and keep it in the fridge, tightly wrapped.
- Roll in toppings the day you serve to keep the coating fresh and pretty.
- Chill them for 15 minutes before serving to firm them up.
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the base
In a medium bowl, combine 16 oz softened cream cheese, 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup chopped green onions, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well with a spatula until smooth and combined.
Step 2: Chill if needed
If the mixture feels too soft to shape, chill it for about 15 minutes so it’s easier to roll.
Step 3: Shape the balls
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, divide the mixture into 3 even portions. Roll each one into a ball using your hands.
Step 4: Prep the coatings
Set out 3 separate small plates. On each one, add 1/2 cup chopped parsley, 1/2 cup chopped pecans, and 1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries (one per plate).
Step 5: Roll the cheese balls in toppings
Roll one cheese ball in parsley, another in pecans, and the third in dried cranberries, pressing gently so the toppings stick all over.
Step 6: Serve or chill
Place the finished cheese balls on a round serving plate and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tools You’ll Need
- Medium mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Small cookie scoop or spoon
- Three small plates (for coatings)
- Serving plate
Substitutions and Variations
- Use goat cheese or blue cheese mixed in for extra flavor
- Try sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers instead of bell pepper
- Swap parsley for chopped basil or dill
- Add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy version
- Roll into mini balls for individual bites
Leftovers & Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
- Best eaten cold or slightly softened at room temp
- Don’t freeze—texture changes too much
Final Thoughts
These Christmas cheese balls are simple, festive, and full of flavor. You can customize them a hundred different ways, but no matter what, they always impress. Give them a try this holiday season, then drop a comment and let me know which coating you liked best!