3 Ingredient Cheese Ball
Super easy Cheese Ball just 3 ingredients. Use softened cream cheese, a ranch seasoning packet and some crushed nuts like walnuts or crackers. Refrigerate and serve!
This 3-ingredient cheese ball is an easy appetizer. It’s just cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and chopped nuts, and it comes together quickly. I like that it can be made ahead and kept in the fridge until I’m ready to serve. I set it out with crackers and some veggie sticks (for show, if nothing else) and watch everyone dig in like I just invented cheese.
How to make 3 Ingredient Cheese Ball
For detailed step-by-step instructions, be sure to check out the full recipe in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
Easy Cheese Ball 3-ingredient Recipe
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 ounce ranch dressing seasoning mix 1 packet
- 1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1 packet of ranch dressing mix until fully blended. Be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to avoid any sneaky dry spots. Set aside.
- Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on your workspace and spread 1 cup of chopped walnuts in an even layer in the center.
- Scoop the cheese mixture into a mound in the middle of the nuts.
- Using the edges of the plastic wrap, gently press the walnuts onto the cheese ball, shaping it into a smooth round as you go.
- Once the cheese ball is completely coated in nuts, wrap it tightly in the plastic wrap, pressing the nuts firmly into place.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour, or keep chilled until you’re ready to serve. Pair with crackers, veggie sticks, or anything you love to dip and dig in!
Notes
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Don’t skip this step. Let it sit out for about 30 minutes before you start.
- Mix Like You Mean It: Make sure that ranch seasoning is evenly distributed. No one wants a random mouthful of powder, so scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl as you stir.
- Plastic Wrap is Your Friend: It makes shaping the cheese ball and rolling it in nuts a million times easier.
- Don’t Go Off-Brand for the Ranch Seasoning Packet: Look, not all ranch packets are created equal. Stick with the classic, you know, THE one. Off-brand might save a buck, but it could cost you flavor, and that’s not a risk worth taking with a three-ingredient recipe.
- Chill It Out: Don’t skip the fridge time. Letting the cheese ball chill for at least an hour helps it firm up and makes it easier to serve. Overnight is even better if you’re prepping ahead.
- Get Creative with the Coating: If nuts aren’t your thing, try crushed crackers, pretzels, or even shredded cheese.
What to Serve with a Cheese Ball
- Crackers: Go for a mix of buttery, whole grain, and flavored options to keep things interesting.
- Veggies: Carrot sticks, celery, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips.
- Pretzels: Pretzel sticks, twists, or even pretzel chips work great.
- Apple or Pear Slices: Thinly sliced apples or pears.
- Chips: Potato chips, tortilla chips, or even pita chips are fair game. Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to scoop without breaking.
- Cured Meats: If you’re really going all out, throw in some salami, prosciutto, or pepperoni.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
If you try this easy 3 Ingredient Cheese Ball recipe or any other of my recipes on Meal Planning blueprints, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! I read all the comments and respond!
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Make This Recipe Yours Ingredient Additions
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese. If you want more cheese (who doesn’t want more cheese?!) then you can add 1/4 to 1/2 a cup of shredded cheddar for additional flavor.
- Chopped Green Onions or Chives. Toss in a couple of tablespoons of chopped green onions or chives. It’s green, it’s fresh-ish, and it’ll make you look like you know what you’re doing.
- Crumbled Bacon. Look, we both know bacon makes everything better. Add 2-3 pieces of crumbled bacon into the cheese mixture.
- Dried Cranberries or Raisins. Throw in some dried cranberries or raisins for that sweet-and-savory combo. I’d add about 2 tablespoons.
Prep Ahead
Save yourself some sanity and make this cheese ball ahead of time. Here’s the breakdown:
- Make it to 2 days ahead: This cheese ball can chill in the fridge for up to two days without any issues, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
- Wrap it tight: Keep it well-wrapped in plastic wrap to lock in the flavor and keep any fridge smells out.
- Ready when you are: When it’s time to serve, just unwrap and go.
Recipe Help and Common Questions
What if my cream cheese isn’t soft?
If you forgot to set out your cream cheese and you NEED to make it now then you can pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds (in a microwave-safe bowl!) to soften it up. Just don’t overdo it, or you’ll end up with cheese soup. If you don’t NEED to make it right that second just leave it out for an hour on the counter.
Why is my cheese ball falling apart?
If it’s not holding its shape, chances are your cream cheese was too soft when you went to shape it (if you used the microwave this could be the issue) or the cheese ball hasn’t had enough time to set in the fridge. Let it chill longer to firm up, and next time, mix everything thoroughly to ensure a solid base.
Really great! I ended up rolling mine in crushed pretzels and bringing it to a cookout this weekend. Everyone loved it!
So happy to hear that! I love pretzels on this cheese ball, too.
I made this cheese ball twice over the holidays and both times everyone loved it! It is soooo easy!!! In the past I’ve done different recipes that required a tone of stuff and weren’t that great so I decided to try this one this year with just the ranch seasoning and it’ll be be go to from now on!
Yay! So glad you liked it!