This easy and delicious spicy cheese ball recipe is the perfect last-minute appetizer.
Full of zesty spices and easy to customize and serve, it’s great for parties, tailgates and all your holiday events!
It’s always a crowd pleaser and with just a few ingredients, it’s so easy to make. What are you waiting for?
Years ago, I picked up a cheese ball mix at a local shop to whip up an easy appetizer. We were on the road and were en route to a tailgate party. It was incredibly tasty, but I was a little embarrassed that it was a mix!
How could I love a mix so much? Everyone would ask for the recipe and I would quietly whisper “it’s a mix.”
Ever since that mix that created the cheese ball of my dreams, I’ve been on a cheese ball kick that just doesn’t end.
But guess what? Anything that is a mix, starts from scratch and recipes like this one really aren’t any more difficult to make.
Spicy Cheese Ball
Today we’re skipping the mix (full of who knows what!) and making my favorite spicy cheese ball recipe with just three ingredients.
Spoiler alert, it’s an incredibly delicious appetizer that you’re going to be craving for weeks!
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Cream Cheese – Room temperature, softened. Learn the best way to soften cream cheese.
- Butter – Salted, softened. Learn how to soften butter quickly. The addition of butter to this cheeseball recipe gives it a smooth texture that spreads beautifully on crackers and baguette. It also gives it that melt-in-your-mouth taste.
- Seasoning – This recipe was created with Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle Seasoning originally – but I’ve also got an incredible homemade chipotle seasoning blend that you can make from scratch.
Variations
- Add crumbled bacon to the exterior.
- Add 2 tablespoons of diced jalapeños to the cheese ball mix.
- Roll in nuts like pecans, almonds or walnuts.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of chopped green onions to the cheese ball mix.
How to Make
An overview, visit the printable recipe card for complete ingredients and instructions.
- In a food processor or blender, add room temperature cream cheese and butter, along with some of the seasoning mixture as indicated. Mix together until creamy and place in the refrigerator to set up.
- Drop the chilled mixture on a piece of parchment/wax paper and use the paper to help mold into a ball and then remove.
- Sprinkle remaining spice blend onto a fresh sheet of wax paper and roll! Then chill, serve and enjoy!
Tips
- Be sure to cover your spicy cheese ball tightly. This not only helps it keep its shape when you refrigerate, but it prevents air from getting inside and drying it out before it’s ready to serve.
- This is great when served at room temperature but it can certainly be served cold right out of the fridge. It’s delicious either way, which is why it’s such a perfect make-ahead party food!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with your favorite crackers
- Carrots, sliced bell peppers and celery are excellent low-carb alternatives to serve with this spicy cheese ball.
- Crostini – Crunchy crostini is a great way to enjoy a cheese ball.
- Salty pretzels are great.
- Use as a spread for tortilla wraps
- Add to your Burger Bar for an incredible topping!
How to Store
- At Room Temperature – You can leave this spicy cheese ball out for up to two hours while serving.
- Refrigerate – Make this cheese ball up to 48 hours in advance and store tightly wrapped. Store for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Curious about freezing your cream cheese recipes? Read more in Can you Freeze Cream Cheese to learn all about what works and what doesn’t!
Spicy Cheese Ball
Ingredients
For the Cheese Ball Center
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 4 tablespoons salted butter softened
- 1½ tablespoons Chipotle Seasoning
To Roll
- 3 tablespoons Chipotle Seasoning (for rolling cheese ball after you form it)
Instructions
- In a food processor or blender, blend softened cream cheese until smooth. Add softened butter and process until well combined.
- Blend in seasoning.
- Using an ice cream scoop or spatula, transfer mixture into a mound on the center of a large piece of plastic wrap. Wrap plastic around and use your hands to shape it into a ball (this prevents sticky hands).
- Chill cheese ball for up to 8 hours. (At least 3-4 so it can firm up!)
- Add remaining seasoning to the center of a large piece of wax paper. Roll cheese ball to coat. Display on a platter and serve with crackers, veggies and more!
Julie’s Tips
- Make Ahead – That’s what makes cheese balls so appealing. They can be stored in the fridge ahead of serving. Simply wrap tightly and allow to soften a bit before serving.
- Be sure to cover your spicy cheese ball tightly. This not only helps it keep its shape when you refrigerate, but it prevents air from getting inside and drying it out before it’s ready to serve.
- This is great when served at room temperature but it can certainly be served cold right out of the fridge. It’s delicious either way, which is why it’s such a perfect make-ahead party food!
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
This looks absolutely amazing and delicious!!! only 3 ingredients to heaven lol. I’m a cheese lover. Any who thanks for the recipe 🙂
Gosh do I love me a good cheeseball. And the flavors you’ve got packed in here? AHmazing. Cannot wait to try!
I wanted to smash my face into this without even reading what it was. Now that I’ve read what it is and how to make it, I want it even MORE.
You’re hilarious! Enjoy!
It’s looks great, but I’m a spice wimp – how “hot” is it?
It has a kick, but you can also use the more mild McCormick’s Roasted Garlic and Red Pepper. It’s not spicy at all!
My mouth is watering already! Thanks for sharing 🙂
It was yesterday’s lunch and may be dinner tonight. I hope you have a beautiful weekend!