My grandma always had a cheeseball at every family gathering. By the time I was 10, she had to make two: one for my cousin Kellie and me, and one for everyone else. To this day, the flavor is instant euphoria for me. Here’s how to make your own:

Ingredients:

  • 2 8 oz. packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 packet dry ranch dressing mix
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • Crushed nuts or additional Parmesan for coating
  • Desired garnishes
  • Crackers or mini bread slices for serving

Cheeseball Snowman

Cheeseball Snowman

Directions:

  1. Combine cheeses, ranch mix, and paprika in bowl until thoroughly incorporated together.
  2. Spread the crushed nuts or Parmesan cheese in a shallow dish.
  3. Use a spoon to form the mixture into a ball in the bowl, then turn out into the coating.
  4. Coat the ball well, then add any embellishments desired.
  5. Chill for at least two hours in the refrigerator before serving.

Be creative! The picture here is a snowman I made, using a baby carrot nose, peppercorn face and buttons, pretzel arms, Parmesan snow, and a slice of a Fruit Roll-Up for a scarf. My grandmother always rolled hers in pecans and served them simply as a traditional cheeseball. But you can use the mixture like a soft clay and make all kinds of creative things themed for a party. And of course, this isn’t far beyond an empty canvas for flavor. Change up the cheeses you add, throw in some bacon, maybe even add a little heat with ground chiles – it’s all up to you. Now – get creating, and let me know what YOU made!