This 4th of July Cheeseball recipe is the best cheeseball you'll ever make. Plus, it comes together in only 15 minutes. Creamy, savory, and patriotic this easy appetizer is perfect for entertaining.

If you know me, you know I love entertaining. Whether it's hosting a New Year's Eve party, a fun halloween Witches Night Out, or whipping up some of the best 4th of July foods for a barbeque, I love it all. This 4th of July Cheeseball is always a hit with it's creamy texture and patriotic presentation, it looks great on a 4th of July Charcuterie board.
Cheeseballs are one of many best-kept secrets to entertaining. They come together in less than 15 minutes and everyone loves cheese. My snowman cheeseball and Christmas tree cheeseball are some recipes I love using during the holiday season.
Why this cheeseball is truly the best
- Creamy with a hint of crunch: Smooth cheese tandem with the crunchy nuts creates the perfect texture combination.
- Make ahead convenience: If you're busy with holiday plans, this cheeseball can be thrown together in 5 minutes and refrigerated until you're ready to serve.
- Customizable: Swap the baby shrimp for bacon, walnuts for pecans, or add in your favorite spices. This recipe is giving.
- Packed with savory flavor: From the fresh garlic to chopped chives, this recipe is bursting with rich flavor you won't be able to resist.
What you need to make a cheeseball
- Cream cheese: the creamy base of the cheeseball, full fat cream cheese works best.
- Cheddar cheese - Shredded cheddar cheese adds a sharp flavor that contrasts the cream cheese.
- Lemon juice - Just a splash will enhance the other flavors in this recipe.
- Spices - Garlic salt, onion, chives, and parsley seasons this cheeseball to perfection.
- Mayonnaise - Helps bind all of the ingredients.
- Baby shrimp or bacon - Either option to brings a salty, umami-layer to an otherwise classic cheeseball. I like bacon for a 4th of July barbeque for a smoky touch.
- Crushed nuts - Crushed walnuts or pecans on the outside of the cheeseball not only give it a nice aesthetic, but also adds a nice crunchy contrast of texture.
- Tortilla chips: A bag of red, white, and blue tortilla chips at the patriotic flare that makes this recipe perfect for Independence Day.
How to make a 4th of July Cheeseball
Mix the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except nuts.
Shape the cheeseball: Use your hands or a spatula to shape the cheeseball into a large ball.
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Roll in nuts: Spread the crushed nuts on wax paper or a silicone baking sheet and roll the cheeseball in the nuts until fully coated.
Refrigerate: Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Serve: Place in the middle of a 4th of July dish and spread red, white, and blue tortilla chips around the cheeseball.
My favorite tips and variations
- Flash freeze after shaping: Right after shaping the cheeseball, place in the freezer for 3-5 minutes so it's easier to roll in the nuts. This way, you have as big of a mess.
- Toast nuts: For a deeper flavor, toast the nuts before adding them to the cheeseball.
- Different cream cheese: Use jalapeño, garden veggie, or scallion for a different flavor.
- No bacon or shrimp: Try diced ham, smoked salmon, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a unique twist.
Can you make a cheeseball in advance?
Make ahead: This cheese ball can be made up to two days in advance. Just keep it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator to maximize freshness.
Storing: If you happen to have leftovers, store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Or freeze tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
More entertaining recipes you'll love
- Easter Charcuterie Board
- 3-Ingredient Easter Bark
- Velveeta Fudge
- 4th of July Mocktail
- 4th of July Cake Pops
4th of July Cheeseball
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon onion chopped finely
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoon chives or green onions
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 4 ounces canned baby shrimp drained or crumbled cooked bacon
- 1/2 cup crushed nuts I like pecans or walnuts
- 1 bag red, white, and blue tortilla chips
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, lemon juice, onion, garlic salt, chives, parsley, mayonnaise, and shrimp (or bacon). Mix until evenly combined and smooth.
- Spread crushed nuts onto wax paper
- Roll the cheese ball into nuts until completely covered
- Refrigerate overnight for at least 10 minutes.
- Remove from the refrigerator at least 10 minutes before serving
- Place in the middle of a 4th of July themed tray and spread red, white, and blue tortilla chips around the cheeseball.
Notes
My favorite tips and variations
- Flash freeze after shaping: Right after shaping the cheeseball, place in the freezer for 3-5 minutes so it's easier to roll in the nuts. This way, you have as big of a mess.
- Toast nuts: For a deeper flavor, toast the nuts before adding them to the cheeseball.
- Different cream cheese: Use jalapeño, garden veggie, or scallion for a different flavor.
- No bacon or shrimp: Try diced ham, smoked salmon, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a unique twist.
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