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Isn’t it funny how a holiday just wouldn’t be a holiday without certain foods? Well, to me Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without having my Mama’s homemade Christmas Cheese Ball, just like Christmas to David with his mama’s date nut balls and peanut butter fudge. Foods hold certain memories and make occasions even more special.
Mama makes this cheese ball recipe every Christmas. It’s the only time of year I would have it growing up, so naturally, when Christmas rolls around I expect it.
This recipe makes a huge batch that could easily be cut in half if you don’t want to make so much. Mama always made the full batch. She would make one for the family and some smaller ones for some of our neighbors. She’d put them small cheese balls on Christmas plates, wrap them in plastic wrap and but Christmas bows on top and “make me” deliver them to the neighbors on her list.
I say she made me because I did resist a little, but most of the neighbors I delivered them to brought a smile to my face and being able to give them a treat at Christmas was good to my heart. I didn’t know it at the time, but mama was teaching me the gift of giving to others.
Mama gave me the recipe a while back. I decided to make this cheese ball last weekend to share with friends and coworkers. It’s only the second time I have ever made it, and it’s ((almost)) as good as mama’s cheese ball.
This cheese ball is so easy to make and its simplicity is delicious. It’s made with Velveeta cheese, cream cheese, and extra-sharp cheddar cheeses, and coated in chopped pecans. It can be enjoyed with crackers as a tasty appetizer for your holiday party and travels well if you need to make something to take along to someone else’s party.
Let me share this wonderful cheese ball recipe with you…
How To Make Mama’s Homemade Christmas Cheese Ball:
Allow the cheeses to sit at room temperature for one hour before making this recipe. This allows the cheeses to soften and makes it easier to mix them together.
Put all the room temperature cheese in a mixing bowl with onions and Worcestershire sauce and cayenne pepper. Mix with an electric mixer until smooth and well blended, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in milk, a little at the time.
Cover and chill the cheese mixture in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Shape into a ball and roll in chopped pecans
Time Saving Tip: I found butcher paper works very well for this. There’s no messy clean up afterwards!
Serve with crackers or pretzels.
This cheese ball is so good! David and I have thought of some really cool things to add to it. Next time, I’m splitting the batch in half and going to have one that tastes like mama’s and experiment with the rest.
I hope you enjoy this recipe. Who knows, maybe it will become a traditional dish at your house too.
Enjoy!
Mama’s Homemade Christmas Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 8 ounce package cream cheese
- 1 pound Velveeta cheese
- 1 pound extra-sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 teaspoons onion grated
- ¼ cup evaporated milk undiluted
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼+ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- ½ cup pecans finely chopped
Instructions
- Allow the cheese to stand at room temperature for one hour.
- Put all the room temperature cheese in a mixing bowl with onions and Worcestershire sauce and cayenne pepper. Mix with an electric mixer until smooth and well blended, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in milk, a little at the time.
- Cover and chill the cheese mixture in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Shape into a ball and roll in chopped pecans.
- Serve with crackers or pretzels.
Notes
Nutrition
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Antonia says
Your mom’s cheese ball looks amazing! I love cheese balls rolled in nuts. Happy Holidays!
The Mountain Kitchen says
Thanks Antonia! Happy Holidays!!
Dana says
I love little traditions like this <3
The Mountain Kitchen says
Me too Dana! <3
Debbie - Mountain Mama says
Oh my gosh, double YUM!!!!!!!!!!!! Once I hear cheese, I start drooling….so a ball of cheese?? Yes, please!!
The Mountain Kitchen says
Lol! Debbie, you’ll love this. You’ve got to make it!!
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
I agree with you about certain foods always being part of Christmas traditions. I like cheese balls too and usually had one out when having a Christmas party. You mother’s version sounds nice.
The Mountain Kitchen says
Thanks Karen! Hope you’ll try it. Merry Christmas!