Name: 4th of July Cheeseball
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
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

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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.

Cheeseball with walnuts on the outside sitting in a basket of red, white, and blue tortilla chips. Cheese knife in the cheeseball

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.

Blue tortilla chip dipping into a cheeseball covered in pecans next to a bowl of red, white, and blue tortilla chips

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.

6 step by step instructions for how to make a 4th of July cheeseball

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.

Red tortilla chip dipping into a cheeseball covered in walnuts surrounded by red, white, and blue tortilla chips

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.

close up image of cheeseball rolled in walnuts surrounded by red, white, and blue tortilla chips

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.