Almond Cheese Ball
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.
Almond Cheese Ball – a perfect holiday appetizer to bring to every party. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve all need a cheese ball for snacking. Beyond the creamy and mild versions of cheese balls is this salty, crunchy, and deliciously savory Almond Cheese Ball. The flavor is incredible and the crunchy almonds and bacon make this a recipe you’ll give out again and again!
Almond Cheese Ball
Are you looking for a simple, delicious, fancied-up traditional holiday side? Or the perfect gift for friends to enjoy (that they won’t just toss in the trash and pretend they love?) I love cheese balls because my mom would make cheese balls every Christmas when I was young and take them around as gifts. This recipe is new and exciting with its flavorful blend of cheeses, zesty ranch seasoning, and salty crunchy bacon and almonds. I love adding a twist on a classic! I also love how quick and easy this recipe is. I made this for people to munch on at a Thanksgiving gathering and everyone loved it!
Almond Cheese Ball Ingredients
- Salted toasted almonds (you can toast and salt your own sliced almonds or buy them this way)
- Cream Cheese
- Neufchatel Cheese
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- Monterey Jack Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese
- Bacon
- Ranch Dressing mix
- Onion powder
- Fresh ground black pepper
Substitutions
I’m all about adjusting your recipes to meet your unique tastes. Feel free to adjust the instructions and ingredients based on dietary needs or the flavors and textures you enjoy. For example, swap your onion powder for garlic powder if you’re a big garlic fan. Other nuts will also be delicious here—almonds are a good choice with a salty pairing, but pecans have a sweeter, milder taste. Use chives or green onions in the cheese ball mixture, or add to the nut crust if you want some green. A spritz of lemon in the cheese mixture could also add that bright, fresh flavor.
Other herbs can change the flavor profile, too. Fresh rosemary is earthy, while dill is more salty.
One thing I love about a cheese ball is that you can make it in advance of your holiday party. Just wrap it carefully in a piece of plastic wrap and store it in your fridge until it’s ready to be placed on your serving platter and surrounded by your favorite crackers and dip items (crostini, carrots, celery, etc.).
Follow Cooking Classy
Almond Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup salted toasted almonds , chopped
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
- 1 (8 oz) package Neufchatel cheese
- 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese , finely grated (I use mild)
- 3/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese , finely grated
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese , finely grated
- 6 slices bacon , cooked and crumbled
- 1 Tbsp ranch dressing mix
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Place almonds on a large plate or cutting board, set aside. Combine remaining ingredients in large mixing bowl. Blend well with a fork. Form mixture into a ball and roll ball over almonds coating all sides. Chill in refrigerator overnight. Serve with crackers.
