Parmesan Ranch Cheeseball is a flavor packed, easy cheeseball that is perfect for tailgating, snacking or an awesome appetizer.
Cheeseball- The perfect easy party appetizer!
Every year, the Sunday before Christmas we attend a huge extended family Christmas Party. For some reason, I am always asked to bring an appetizer. And I always bring a cheeseball.
I love that is is a finger food, no real utensils needed besides serving. I love that it travels extremely well. The fact that it’s crazy delicious is just a perk. ?
You’ll be able to whip this cheeseball up in no time at all! Plus, it stores really well! Make it ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until needed. There really isn’t an easier, more convenient appetizer this holiday season!
Other fun and easy appetizer options are chips and salsa or lettuce wraps!
How to make a Cheeseball
Making a cheeseball is super simple. It is basically a dump and mix kinda deal. The ingredients used to make this cheeseball are cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, parmesan cheese and pecans!
This works best with room temperature cream cheese. I’ll admit, I’ve thrown cold cream cheese into my Kitchenaid before and it’s worked out fine. Room temperature cream cheese does yield to a much smoother cheeseball.
Using your favorite stand mixer or electric hand mixer, cream all ingredients together.
When finished, the cheese mixture will be very soft, smooth and velvety.
Scrape and scoop the cheese mixture out and into a small bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for 30 or so minutes.
Remove from the fridge and use a silicone spatula to form into a rough ball. In a separate bowl, pour your chopped pecans.
I apologize for not getting photos of this step, my hands were slightly preoccupied! ? Carefully roll the cheeseball into the pecans and gently press and turn the cheeseball until it is covered in pecans. Once the cheeseball is covered in nuts, it will be very easy to handle and shape into that perfect ball.
Store in the fridge until ready to serve!
Serve with your favorite crackers. I personally like wheat thins, pita chips, club crackers or sociables!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheeseballs
Can I freeze my Cheeseball?
Yes! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then freeze, being careful not to set anything on top of it. When thawing, transfer to fridge at least 24 hours before serving.
What crackers are best with a Cheeseball?
My personal favorite are the big wheat thins. They are sturdy enough that they won’t break when scooping the cheese ball and I love the slightly sweet flavor to balance out the salty flavor of the cheeseball.
How long will my Cheeseball keep in the fridge?
Your cheeseball will keep well in your fridge for up to 4 days.
YIELD: 1 CHEESEBALL
Cheeseball {Parmesan Ranch!}
(Printable Recipe Below)
Parmesan Ranch Cheeseball is a flavor packed, easy cheeseball that is perfect for tailgating, snacking or an awesome appetizer.
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 pkg ranch seasoning
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup pecans, diced
Instructions
- Mix the cream cheese, ranch packet and parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer to a small bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Remove from bowl, use silicone spatula to shape into a ball.
- Place the pecans in a separate bowl.
- Carefully pour the cheeseball into the pecans. Gently turn and roll the cheeseball until the entire ball is covered.
- Reshape into a ball using your hands if needed.
- Store in the fridge until ready to serve.
Try these other appetizers:
- Fruit Dip
- Chicken Lettuce Wrap
- Grape Jelly Meatballs and Weenies
- Teriyaki Chicken Sliders
- Chocolate Fondue
- Chicken Salsa Dip
- Guacamole
- Pico De Gallo
- Homemade Salsa
- Peanut Butter Apple Dip
- Appetizers
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Cheeseball {Parmesan Ranch!}
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese room temperature
- 1 pkg ranch seasoning
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup pecans diced
Instructions
- Mix the cream cheese, ranch packet and parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer to a small bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Remove from bowl, use silicone spatula to shape into a ball.
- Place the pecans in a separate bowl.
- Carefully pour the cheeseball into the pecans. Gently turn and roll the cheeseball until the entire ball is covered.
- Reshape into a ball using your hands if needed.
- Store in the fridge until ready to serve.
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