8 Cheese Balls for Fall & Winter
Nov 22, 2025
Cheese Boards Charcuterie Boards Fall Recipes Winter Recipes
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Cheese balls are the best appetizer because they’re super easy to make and even easier to customize to your tastes! I especially love them for the holidays because I’m usually so busy focusing on the main course or entertaining my family, the last thing I want to worry about is a pre-meal snack.
Whether you’re hosting for the holidays or just want the perfect party food to bring to a friend’s potluck, the recipes I’ve included below range from super savory to decadently sweet, so there’s something for everyone! And you know I love any kind of food that can be themed (ahem, pumpkin cheese ball).
For other easy appetizer ideas, try my Pumpkin-Shaped Baked Brie, Baked Brie Pull-Apart Bread, Prosciutto & Burrata Crostini, Pimento Cheese Dip, and Crudite Platter.
What is a Cheese Ball?
This app is definitely retro–it may be an oldie, but it’s coming back with a vengeance because it’s also a goodie. During World War II, the cheese ball emerged as an affordable and versatile appetizer that could be served at modest, wartime dinner parties.
They became a staple in American Entertaining through the 50s, 60s, and 70s, but by the time the 80s rolled around, they had gotten a reputation for being outdated and kitschy. You would think that they would be remembered only in the pages of vintage cookbooks and homemaking magazines, but in 2007, Amy Sedaris made a smoky cheese ball for Martha Stewart on her live television show, and the rest is history.
Ever since then, cooks and hosts have been elevating this humble app with creative and gourmet ingredients. Between the comeback of “entertaining” and the versatility of cheese ball recipes, this nostalgic comfort food has made a serious comeback, and I don’t anticipate it going anywhere anytime soon.
Personally, I love a cheese ball because it’s an easy way to add diverse cheese options to a charcuterie board. Plus, it’s the perfect candidate for making ahead of time! In fact, letting all the flavors meld in the cheese ball makes them even more delicious.
My Favorite Cheese Ball Recipes
When it comes to learning how to make a cheese ball, don’t just take my word for how easy it is; try making one of my recipes for yourself! To break it down, all you really need is a cream cheese base (you can also add your favorite spreadable cheeses, like goat cheese or Boursin), fun mix-ins (think: spices, herbs, bacon, veggies, or dried fruit), and a coating, like cheese shreds, nuts, or crushed Ritz crackers.
Football Dessert Cheese Ball
This recipe might be sweet, but you don’t have to serve it as a dessert. I love offering a mix of savory and sweet apps so guests can get a bite of everything. This foot ball-shaped cheese ball is great for any game day gathering or kids’ party. Not to toot my own horn, but every time I bring it to a Super Bowl Party, I get tons of compliments.
Pine Cone Cheese Ball
I originally developed this cheese ball to be a holiday app–pine cones are always part of my Christmas decorations. That said, you often find pine cones in fall decor as well as winter, so if you ask me, you can serve it as a themed treat anytime during the fall or winter. (You can also use this technique to make a porcupine cheese ball!)
Pumpkin Cheese Ball
I love making this recipe for any fall holiday! It’s an especially cute addition to any Thanksgiving spread or autumn-themed cheese board. Why add actual pumpkins to your boards when you can add edible ones?
Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball
I love mixing goat cheese into my cheese ball base. Here, I also added blue cheese into the mix to add a more savory, tangy flavor to pair with the sweet, tart cranberries and nutty pecans. Plus, nothing says fall and winter like cranberries and pecans!
Turkey-Shaped Cheese Ball
In this recipe, the cheese balls are just part of the Turkey-shaped cheese sculpture! They are essential to the construction, but I also used three different coatings to diversify the colors and flavors; pistachios, dried cranberries, and dried apricots are delicious additions to any cheese board (I often add them as accoutrements!), especially during the fall and winter.
Snow Man Cheese Ball
This recipe is obviously winter-themed! It’s a really fun appetizer to make for non-denominational holiday celebrations, especially if you can get the kids involved. Make one giant snowman to share, or make a bunch of tiny ones so each guest can have their very own single-serve snowman.
Christmas Tree Cheese Ball
This super herby, savory Christmas tree cheese “ball” is perfect for your Christmas Eve or Day feast. Plus, you can incorporate some of your own favorite ingredients as cute little ornaments, like olives, almonds, grapes–you get the idea.
Savory Football Cheese Ball
This savory version of my sweet football dessert is just as cute and just as delicious. I love how the spiciness of the pepperoni pairs with the creamy cheese ball base, but I especially love how it makes it really look like a football. If you’re up for it, make one of each football cheese ball to cover the sweet and savory bases!
Show Me Your Cheese Balls
I hope this round-up inspires you to create one of my cheese ball recipes. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the snacks and apps you create from my tips. If you make something inspired by this post, please tag me at @ainttooproudtomeg so I can see and share!
And, if you liked these recipe ideas, please rate and review.
