🧀 Easy Made Thanksgiving Cheese Ball Recipes – Creamy, Flavor-Packed

Thanksgiving Cheese Ball Recipes ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from holiday hosts and cheese lovers alike)
🥬 Savory | 🥜 Crunchy | 🧡 Family-Approved

Cheese balls are a classic holiday appetizer that never fail to impress. Whether you love creamy, herby flavors or sweet-and-savory combinations, these Thanksgiving Cheese Ball Recipes are easy to make, gorgeous on the table, and perfect for snacking before the big feast.

Why You’ll Love These Thanksgiving Cheese Balls

⏱️ Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
🍽️ Serves: 8–12
💰 Budget-Friendly
✨ Flavor: Creamy, tangy, sweet, and savory
💡 Perfect For: Holiday parties, Thanksgiving appetizers, or festive snack tables

Ingredients – Base & Mix-Ins

Classic Savory Cheese Ball:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts, for coating
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley or chives

Sweet & Savory Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• ½ tsp cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)
• Optional: additional cranberries and nuts for rolling

Herb & Garlic Cheese Ball:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
• 2 tsp mixed dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt & pepper
• ½ cup crushed crackers, herbs, or nuts for coating

How to Make Thanksgiving Cheese Balls – Easy & Crowd-Pleasing

Step 1: Mix the Base
In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese with shredded cheese and flavorings. Stir in optional mix-ins like cranberries, nuts, or herbs.

Step 2: Form the Cheese Ball
Use your hands or a spatula to shape the mixture into a ball. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Coat the Cheese Ball
Roll the chilled cheese ball in nuts, crushed crackers, herbs, or a combination for added texture and flavor.

Step 4: Serve
Place on a festive serving platter and surround with crackers, breadsticks, or fresh vegetables.

Fun Variations

• Pumpkin Spice Cheese Ball: Add ¼ cup pumpkin puree and ½ tsp cinnamon for a fall twist.
• Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball: Mix in crumbled cooked bacon for smoky flavor.
• Everything Bagel Cheese Ball: Roll in everything bagel seasoning for a crunchy, zesty coating.

What Everyone’s Saying

“These cheese balls were the first thing gone at Thanksgiving! So creamy and delicious.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Jenna P.

“The cranberry pecan version stole the show. Sweet, salty, perfect!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Marcus T.

“Super easy to make, and they look so festive on the table.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Holly R.

Thanksgiving Cheese Ball Recipes – Creamy, Flavorful, and Party-Ready

Cheese balls are a must-have for holiday tables! These Thanksgiving-inspired versions are creamy, cheesy, and packed with festive flavors. Roll them in nuts, herbs, or cranberries for a show-stopping appetizer that’s easy to make ahead and always a crowd-pleaser.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Chill 2 hours hrs

Servings: 12 appetizer servings

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Calories: 120

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Base Cheese Ball Mixture:
• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Coatings / Mix-Ins choose 1–2:
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or chives finely chopped
• 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seeds pepitas

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Plastic wrap
• Serving plate
• Spoon or spatula

Method

 

Mix Cheese:

1. a bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.

Add Mix-Ins:

1. Gently fold in any optional mix-ins you like (bacon, cranberries, herbs, etc.).

Shape the Ball:

1. Scoop mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap and shape into a ball. Wrap tightly and chill in the refrigerator at least 2 hours.

Coat:

1. Roll chilled cheese ball in your choice of coating (nuts, cranberries, herbs, or seeds) until fully covered.

Serve:

1. Place on a serving plate and serve with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh veggies.

Notes

Make ahead: Cheese balls can be made up to 2 days in advance.

For extra flavor, try adding 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce or 1/2 tsp smoked paprika to the base mix.

Shape into fun fall-themed shapes like pumpkins or leaves for a festive presentation.

FAQ – Thanksgiving Cheese Balls

💡 Note: These Thanksgiving Cheese Ball Recipes are perfect for holiday snacking, gift-giving, or any festive gathering. They’re creamy, flavorful, and always a hit with family and friends!

For a classic holiday pairing, serve these cheese balls alongside Cristal Recipes’ Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing.