Ina Garten Cheese Ball

This Ina Garten Cheese Ball recipe is one of her best make-ahead, no-cook party appetizers, delicious, quick, and easy to make. This Cheese Ball is made with cream cheese, smoked Cheddar, green olives, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and toasted pecans, it takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to set and chill. You can serve your Cheese Ball with buttery crackers, pita chips, pretzels, and a crudité platter of vegetables.

To make this Cheese Ball, Ina begins by mixing the cream cheese with house seasoning to create a smooth base. She then stirs in the smoked Cheddar, green olives, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. After seasoning to taste, she shapes the mixture into a ball and rolls it in a coating of toasted pecans and fresh chives to end up with a perfect party appetizer.

Ina Garten Cheese Ball Ingredients

• 8-ounce block of cream cheese, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons of seasoning for the cheese ball (see below)
• 3/4 cup shredded smoked Cheddar
• 1/2 cup chopped green olives
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3/4 cup finely chopped toasted pecans
• 1/4 cup minced fresh chives
• Crackers for serving

Seasoning For The Cheese Ball

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

How To Make Ina Garten Cheese Ball

1. Mix Cream Cheese and Seasoning: Use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese and House Seasoning until smooth.
2. Add Ingredients: Stir in the smoked Cheddar, green olives, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Prepare Coating: In a shallow dish, mix the chopped pecans and chives.
4. Shape and Coat: Use plastic wrap to shape the cream cheese mixture into a ball. Roll this ball in the pecan and chive mixture until fully coated.
5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 1 hour or up to overnight. Serve with crackers.

What To Serve With Cheese Ball

Cheese balls pair well with buttery crackers like Ritz, pita chips, and pretzels. You can also serve them with a crudité platter that includes vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and celery.

How To Store Cheese Ball

To store a cheese ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to one week. Make sure to keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor transfer.

Can I Freeze Cheese Ball

Yes, you can freeze a cheese ball. Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer-safe bag and store it in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Check out More Recipes From Ina Garten:

• Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Piccata
• Ina Garten Breakfast Quiche
• Ina Garten Scalloped Potatoes