17+ Cheese Ball Recipes for Thanksgiving

As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to think beyond the turkey and stuffing. Imagine a table adorned with a selection of cheese balls, each one unique and bursting with flavor.

The Classic Cheddar and Chive Delight

Classic Cheeseball

Classic Cheeseball from Tastes Better From Scratch

Rating: 5 (26 reviews). Total Time: 15 min.

Best Cheese Ball

Best Cheese Ball from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.6 (233 reviews). Total Time: 15 min.

Turkey Shaped Cheese Ball

Turkey Shaped Cheese Ball from Ovenspiration

Rating: 5 (121 reviews). Total Time: cream cheese, whipped cream cheese, pretzel rods, italian dressing mix, mini bell pepper.

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Imagine biting into a creamy, tangy cheese ball that takes you back to simpler times. This classic recipe combines sharp cheddar cheese with fresh chives and a hint of garlic, creating a timeless appetizer that never fails to please.

The secret to this cheese ball’s popularity is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, it delivers a powerful punch of flavor. The sharpness of the cheddar is balanced by the freshness of the chives, making it a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with any cracker or slice of baguette.

Sweet Cranberry and Pecan Cheese Ball

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Appetizer

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Appetizer from Sally's Baking Addiction

Rating: 5 (32 reviews). Total Time: 1 h 15 min.

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball from I Am Homesteader

Rating: 5 (29 reviews). Total Time: 1 h 10 min.

Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball

Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball from Family Around the Table

Rating: 4.9 (7 reviews). Total Time: 15 min.

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Looking for a cheese ball that’s a little different? This sweet cranberry and pecan cheese ball is a delightful twist on the traditional. The combination of tangy cream cheese, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible.

What makes this cheese ball stand out is its perfect balance of sweet and savory. The cranberries add a touch of sweetness, while the pecans provide a satisfying crunch. It’s the perfect appetizer for Thanksgiving, capturing the essence of the season in every bite. Plus, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious, with the cranberries and pecans creating a striking contrast against the creamy cheese base.

Spicy Jalapeño and Bacon Cheese Ball

Jalapeño Bacon Cheeseball

Jalapeño Bacon Cheeseball from The Recipe Critic

Rating: 5 (5 reviews). Total Time: 15 min.

Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Ball Recipe

Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Ball Recipe from Spend With Pennies

Rating: 5 (19 reviews). Total Time: 15 min.

Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball

Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball from Small Town Woman

Rating: 4.9 (39 reviews).

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If you like your appetizers with a bit of a kick, this spicy jalapeño and bacon cheese ball is the one for you. The heat from the jalapeños is complemented by the smoky flavor of crispy bacon, all wrapped up in a creamy cheese mixture that’s sure to make your taste buds tingle.

This cheese ball is perfect for those who enjoy a little spice in their life. It’s bold, it’s flavorful, and it’s got just the right amount of heat to keep things interesting. The combination of jalapeños and bacon is a match made in heaven, providing a burst of flavor that’s both exciting and comforting.

What makes it truly special is the way it caters to those who love a mix of spicy and savory flavors, making it an adventurous addition to any Thanksgiving spread.

Rich and Creamy Blue Cheese Ball

How to Make a Blue Cheese Cheese Ball

How to Make a Blue Cheese Cheese Ball from Cup of Zest

Total Time: 45 min.

Blue Cheese Ball

Blue Cheese Ball from Leggings 'N' Lattes

Rating: 5 (1 reviews). Total Time: 15 min.

Cream Cheese Ball

Cream Cheese Ball from Cleverly Simple

Rating: 5 (1 reviews).

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For the cheese connoisseurs, a blue cheese ball is a must-try. With its rich, creamy texture and bold flavor, this cheese ball is a decadent treat that’s sure to impress. Made with blue cheese, cream cheese, and a touch of garlic, it’s a sophisticated appetizer that’s perfect for any holiday gathering.

The appeal of this cheese ball lies in its luxurious flavor profile. The blue cheese provides a bold, tangy taste, while the cream cheese adds a smooth, creamy texture. It’s an indulgent treat that’s best enjoyed with a glass of wine and some good company.

Herbed Goat Cheese Ball with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Vegan Goat Cheese, Pesto & Sundried Tomato Tower

Vegan Goat Cheese, Pesto & Sundried Tomato Tower from Every Last Bite

Rating: 4.9 (8 reviews). Total Time: 30 min.

Sun-dried Tomato Goat Cheese Bites

Sun-dried Tomato Goat Cheese Bites from Diabetic Kitchen

Total Time: 24 min.

Sun-Dried Tomato & Herb Marinated Goat Cheese Dip

Sun-Dried Tomato & Herb Marinated Goat Cheese Dip from Cooking in my Genes

Total Time: 30 min.

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This herbed goat cheese ball is a fresh and flavorful option for those looking for something a little different. The tangy goat cheese is blended with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs, creating a vibrant and aromatic appetizer that’s sure to be a hit.

What sets this cheese ball apart is its unique combination of flavors. The sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet, tangy kick, while the fresh herbs provide a burst of freshness that’s truly delightful. It’s a cheese ball that’s both elegant and easy to make, making it a perfect choice for any Thanksgiving celebration.

Smoky Gouda and Roasted Red Pepper Cheese Ball

Roasted Red Pepper Cheese Ball

Roasted Red Pepper Cheese Ball from The Black Peppercorn

Rating: 5 (2 reviews). Total Time: 15 min.

Smoky Cheese Ball

Smoky Cheese Ball from TidyMom

Rating: 4.8 (13 reviews). Total Time: 4 h 10 min.

The Best Smoked Cheese Ball

The Best Smoked Cheese Ball from The Mountain Kitchen

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For a cheese ball with a smoky twist, look no further than this smoky gouda and roasted red pepper creation. With its rich, smoky flavor and vibrant color, it’s a show-stopping appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests.

The smoky gouda provides a deep, rich flavor, while the roasted red peppers add a hint of sweetness and a pop of color. It’s a cheese ball that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate, making it a welcome addition to any Thanksgiving table.

This recipe is particularly popular because it combines the comforting smokiness of gouda with the freshness of roasted peppers, creating a balanced and flavorful appetizer that’s hard to resist.

Pro Tricks for Amazing Cheese Ball Recipes

Classic Cheese Ball

Classic Cheese Ball from The Kitchn

Rating: 4.5 (3 reviews). Total Time: 12 min.

Good Cheese Ball Recipe

Good Cheese Ball Recipe from One Sweet Appetite

Rating: 4.6 (46 reviews). Total Time: 4 hr 10 min.

The Ultimate Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

The Ultimate Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball from The Chunky Chef

Rating: 5 (45 reviews). Total Time: 15 min.

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Experiment with Coatings

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different coatings for your cheese balls. Crushed nuts, dried herbs, or even crumbled bacon can add an extra layer of flavor and texture. It’s a simple way to customize your cheese balls and make them stand out.

Mix and Match Cheeses

Experiment with different cheese combinations to create unique flavors. Mixing cheeses like cheddar, gouda, and blue cheese can lead to delicious results. Don’t be afraid to get creative and find your perfect blend.

Serve at the Right Temperature

Make sure to serve your cheese balls at the right temperature. Let them sit out for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop. This little trick can make a big difference in the taste and texture.