Simple ingredients, full flavor, easy-to-make appetizer. Serve this crowd-pleaser for your next holiday party with fresh veggies and a variety of crackers.

This is a simple and delicious appetizer that my family has been eating for a few decades now. We have a cheese ball at every holiday.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for a holiday cheese ball:

Cream Cheese
Shredded cheddar cheese
Green olives
Green onions
Garnish with extra cheese or chopped pecans.

See recipe card for quantities.

Using freshly shredded cheese rather than a bag of shredded cheese is my favorite.  It is so so creamy and delicious when it's freshly grated.  I use my food processor with the small grate blade, and it is fast and easy.

food processor with shredded cheddar cheese

How to make a holiday cheese ball

Making a cheese ball is easy. Simply mix all of your ingredients and shape the cheese mixture into a ball. It doesn't need to be perfect.

Don't be turned away by the green olives and green onions.  I promise you that even my siblings who DO NOT eat olives or onions devour this flavorful cheese ball.

cheese ball shaped as a carrot on a white platter.

Cheese ball shaped like a carrot on a platter with veggies and crackers

I make this a day ahead of time just for convenience. But letting it chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours is best.