Simple Ina Garten Cheese Ball Recipe: Party-Ready Delight

Ina Garten’s cheese ball elevates casual gatherings into culinary magic, transforming ordinary appetizers into extraordinary bites.

This creamy concoction whispers sophistication with every smooth, enticing morsel.

Velvety cream cheese becomes a tantalizing canvas for bold, sparkling flavors that dance across taste buds.

Smoky cheddar and vibrant seasonings weave a luxurious tapestry of taste, inviting hungry guests to indulge.

Briny green olives and toasted pecans add unexpected texture and depth, creating a symphony of sensations.

Worcestershire sauce sneaks in a mysterious umami undertone that keeps everyone guessing.

Each bite promises a delightful adventure that will have friends begging for your secret recipe.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to become the star of your next social gathering.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 198 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients in Ina Garten Cheese Ball

• Cream Cheese: Select a full-fat, room temperature block for maximum smoothness.
• House Seasoning: Choose a blend with balanced herb and spice profiles for depth.

• Smoked Cheddar Cheese: Opt for high-quality, freshly shredded cheese for intense smoky notes.
• Green Olives: Pick briny, firm olives with vibrant color and robust flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Use fresh-squeezed for bright, zesty undertones.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Select a traditional, aged sauce for complex umami richness.
• Salt: Select kosher or sea salt for clean seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground provides more vibrant, aromatic taste.

• Pecans: Choose raw, crisp nuts with golden-brown coloration and no bitter undertones.
• Fresh Chives: Select bright green, firm herbs with strong, oniony aroma.

Kitchen Tools for Cheese Ball Success

• Electric Mixer: Perfect for whipping cream cheese to smooth, fluffy perfection.
• Mixing Bowl: Large enough to blend all cheese ingredients comfortably.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add seasoning and sauces.
• Shallow Dish: Ideal for coating the cheese ball with pecans and chives.
• Sharp Knife: Great for finely chopping olives and chives.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Plastic Wrap: Assists in shaping the cheese ball neatly.
• Spatula: Helps scrape and mix ingredients thoroughly.
• Refrigerator: Essential for chilling and setting the cheese ball.
• Serving Platter: Presents the appetizer beautifully when ready to enjoy.

Guide to Form the Perfect Cheese Ball

• Whip Creamy Base

Grab an electric mixer and blend cream cheese with seasoning until incredibly smooth and light. Work the mixture until it becomes airy and velvety.

• Boost Flavor Profile

Combine shredded smoked cheddar, finely chopped green olives, splash of lemon juice, and dash of Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to create a zesty blend that tingles your taste buds.

• Create Crunchy Exterior

Mix finely chopped pecans and minced chives in a wide dish. This will become the delightful coating that adds texture and crunch to your appetizer.

• Shape and Roll Cheese Delight

Use plastic wrap to gently form the cheese mixture into a perfect round ball. Carefully roll the ball through the pecan and chive mixture, ensuring every inch is lovingly covered with the crispy coating.

• Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least an hour to let flavors meld and texture set. When ready, present with crisp crackers or fresh vegetable sticks for a crowd-pleasing starter that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Flavor Adjustments for Cheese Ball

• Elevate Your Cheese Ball Experience: Pro Tips & Twists
• Make Ahead Magic: Prepare the cheese ball up to 2 days before your event. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for maximum flavor development and convenient entertaining.
• Customize Coating Crunch: Swap pecans with toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or everything bagel seasoning for a unique texture and flavor profile that'll surprise your guests.
• Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or smoked paprika to the cheese mixture for a zesty kick that transforms the appetizer from mild to wild.
• Dairy-Free Hack: Replace cream cheese with plant-based cream cheese alternatives and use vegan cheese to create a delicious option for guests with dietary restrictions.

Ways to Present the Cheese Ball

• Cracker Companions: Pair this cheesy delight with crispy wheat crackers, buttery water crackers, or crisp rye crisps for a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.
• Veggie Dippers: Slice fresh colorful vegetables like red bell peppers, cucumber rounds, celery sticks, and cherry tomatoes to provide a healthy and refreshing complement to the rich cheese ball.
• Wine and Cheese Pairing: Select a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio that will beautifully balance the smoky cheddar and tangy Worcestershire sauce notes in the cheese ball.
• Party Presentation: Arrange the cheese ball on a rustic wooden board surrounded by an assortment of crackers, veggies, and fresh herbs for an eye-catching appetizer that will impress guests at any gathering.

Save the Cheese Ball Fresh Longer

• Maximize Flavor Preservation: Store your cheese ball tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or sealed in an airtight container to maintain its fresh, creamy texture for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Prep-Ahead Magic: Create this appetizer 1-2 days before your gathering to let the flavors meld and intensify, making your cheese ball even more delicious.
• Smart Serving Strategy: Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance its creamy spreadability.
• Freezing Friend: Wrap the unmolded cheese ball carefully in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, and re-roll in fresh herbs or nuts for a crisp exterior.

Elegant Ina Garten Cheese Ball Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s cheese ball combines creamy cream cheese with sharp cheddar and tangy goat cheese. Guests will love this elegant appetizer that brings rich flavors and smooth texture to party spreads with classic American charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
• ¾ cup (177 ml) shredded smoked cheddar
• ¾ cup (85 g) finely chopped toasted pecans
• ½ cup (118 ml) chopped green olives
• ¼ cup (15 g) minced fresh chives
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
• 1 tsp (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp (5 g) garlic powder
• 1 tsp (5 g) onion powder
• 1 tsp (5 g) kosher salt
• 1 tsp (2 g) sweet paprika
• 1 tsp (2 g) freshly ground black pepper
• Crackers for serving

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Instructions

1. Mixing Base: Whip cream cheese with house seasoning using an electric mixer until achieving a silky, homogeneous texture.
2. Flavor Fusion: Blend smoked Cheddar, green olives, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce into the cream cheese, ensuring even distribution of ingredients while maintaining a consistent mixture.
3. Seasoning Enhancement: Delicately incorporate kosher salt and black pepper, calibrating the taste profile to personal preference.
4. Coating Preparation: Create a textural layer by combining finely chopped pecans and minced chives in a shallow bowl, preparing for the cheese ball’s exterior transformation.
5. Shaping and Coating: Utilize plastic wrap to form a compact spherical shape, then methodically roll the cheese mixture through the pecan-chive blend, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
6. Flavor Maturation: Refrigerate the prepared cheese ball for 1-12 hours, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and develop a refined taste profile.
7. Serving Ritual: Remove from refrigeration 15-20 minutes before serving, permitting slight softening to enhance spreadability and unleash the full depth of flavors; present alongside crisp crackers for an elegant appetizer experience.

Notes

• Maximize Flavor Blending: Mix ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of tastes, preventing clumping and creating a harmonious cheese experience.
• Perfect Chilling Technique: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to develop and texture to set, enhancing the overall taste and spreadability.
• Coating Precision: Apply pecan and chive mixture evenly by gently rolling and pressing, ensuring complete coverage for a consistent crunch and herbal accent.
• Serving Strategy: Allow cheese ball to rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly, making it easier to spread and more enjoyable for guests.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 198
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 433 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg