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3 ingredient cheese ball surrounded with crackers and fruit on cutting board.
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5 from 8 votes

Easy 3-Ingredient Cheese Ball Recipe

This Easy 3-Ingredient Cheese Ball Recipe is a classic snack or appetizer made with cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, and chopped walnuts. It takes just 5 minutes to make and is perfect for serving at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holiday gatherings.
Prep Time5 minutes
Refrigerating Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Calories: 103kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 8 oz package cream cheese softened
  • tablespoon dry ranch dressing and seasoning mix
  • 1 cup walnuts chopped

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese and ranch dressing mix until thoroughly combined.
  • Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on the counter or other hard surface. Spread the chopped walnuts in the middle of the plastic.
  • Scoop the cream cheese onto the nuts. Using the plastic wrap, form the cream cheese into a tight ball, pressing the outside into the nuts.
  • Once evenly shaped and covered in nuts, wrap the cheese ball tightly and refrigerate for at least one hour, or up to 5 days.

Notes

Tips & Tricks
  • Use softened cream cheese, but not warm. If it is too soft, it won’t easily form a ball or hold its shape. 
  • Shape the ball with the plastic wrap, then wrap it tightly before refrigerating to keep it fresh. 
  • Let the cheese ball chill for at least an hour before serving so that it is firm and holds its shape. 
  • For extra holiday fun, form the cheese ball into shapes with large cookies cutters (we’ve done turkeys, Christmas trees, and snowflakes before). I would form the cream cheese into the shape, then add nuts after.
 
Storage: 
This cheese ball will last up to 5 days in the fridge if wrapped tightly with plastic or stored in a sealed container.

Nutrition

Calories: 103kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 188mg | Potassium: 64mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg