I recieved this make-ahead cheese ball recipe from a friend many years ago. I used to make it for Thanksgiving and then the last couple of years we had friends over who offered to bring an appetizer so it came off the rotation.

This year we were invited out for Thanksgiving and I offered to bring this cheese ball.

Not only is it delicious, but you can also make it ahead, the recipe makes 2 cheeseballs and you can freeze them. It was so nice to know that I not only had one of my Thanksgiving Appetizer recipes made and in the freezer but also an extra one for another occasion.

 

 

Be sure and have your cream cheese sit out to room temperature so it will blend well with the other ingredients. Another thing I love about this recipe is that you can change things up based on what you have in the pantry.

This time I had forgotten to buy Raisins and only had a kids sized box, so I supplemented with Craisins. Not only did I love the flavor but the color of the red and green onions makes it super festive.

How to Make A Cheese Ball In Advance

I also don’t use nuts in the cheese ball but add some to the top before serving. For Thanksgiving, I did not have any roasted peanuts so I chopped up some Pistachios and added them to the top. DELICIOUS!

Check out these adorable appetizers, if you prefer individual cheese balls.

How soon can I make a Cheese Ball? 

Ok, you are probably waiting for the recipe for this Make-Ahead cheese ball before your guests come. I recommend making it at least a day ahead so the flavors can meld together.

Can You Freeze a Cheese Ball? 

Yes, you can freeze cheese balls for up to a month. You can make it a month ahead of time as well, just wrap the cheeseball in saran wrap and then place in a freezer ziploc bag.

The original recipe is called East Indian Cheese ball Recipe I think due to the curry in the recipe.

 

Using a mixer to blend all the ingredients is the easiest. You can use a bowl and spoon if you need to.

Allow the mixture to chill overnight, covered in the same bowl you used to mix it. (limits clean up)

 

Divide the cheese ball mixture into two piles on top of plastic wrap and roll it into a ball.

 

 

Wrap tightly and place in a freezer bag if you plan on freezing it.

How to Defrost a Cheese ball?

The day before serving place the frozen cheese ball your fridge.  Allow it to defrost overnight.  Allow it to sit out about 20 minutes outside of the wrapper before serving if still very cold. 

 

 

Right before serving, place the cheese ball on a platter and cover with Chutney or any flavored jam. We used these amazing fall preserves from Four Season Preserves. Find more about this line in our Holiday Gift Guide. 

 

 

This recipe makes 2 cheese balls and you can half the recipe easily but why.  Since you can freeze this you can have one in the freezer for another occasion or give as a gift.

So make two cheeseballs in the time to make one, with this scrumptious make ahead cheese ball recipe.

 

Make Ahead Cheese Ball Recipe ( Curry Cheese Ball )

Be sure to check out all of our Make ahead Dinner Ideas for Busy Weeknights too.