How to Make a Cheese Ball, the Ultimate Party Food

A massive ball of cheese on the table makes a big, “welcome to our party!” statement. How could it not? It’s lovably retro, easy to make in advance and a cinch to customize. So go on and choose your own cheese ball adventure below — just don’t forget the crackers.

1. Choose Your Cheeses

For your main cheese, you’ll need one brick (8 ounces) of full-fat cream cheese. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with ½- to 1 cup of grated or crumbled semi-firm cheese until smooth. A few options we love: blue cheese, goat cheese, cheddar, mozzarella and gouda.

2. Add Some Flavor

Use a splash, dash or shake of one of these, and fold into your cheese mixture.

3. Mix in the Goodies

Fold ½- to 1 cup of one of these tasty mix-ins to your cheese mixture until evenly distributed.

4. Form the Ball

Line a small bowl with plastic wrap. Spoon the cheese mixture on top of the plastic wrap, then gather it around the cheese to make a rounded shape.

Place the bowl with the wrapped cheese in your refrigerator to firm up for at least an hour (overnight works too).

5. Top It All Off

Remove the ball from the refrigerator and use slightly wet hands to mold it into a ball.

Place ½- to 1 cup of one of the following toppings into a shallow pan:

Serve with crackers or toast triangles — enjoy!