• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Kicking Carbs

  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • About
    • Contact Me
  • Keto Quick Start Guide
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About Wendy Polisi
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Contact Me
  • Keto & Low Carb Recipes
  • Keto Chaffles
  • Keto Recipes for the Low Carb Lifestyle
  • Privacy Policy
  • Recipe Index
  • Resources
  • ×

    Home » Appetizers and Snacks » Keto Cheese Ball

    Keto Cheese Ball

    Published: Sep 3, 2020 by Wendy Polisi Modified: Aug 26, 2020 · 767 words. · About 4 minutes to read this article.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Is it a party without a cheese ball? I am not sure, but this Keto Cheese Ball is a delicious addition to any celebration. It works just as well for game day as it does on your holiday buffet. With just four ingredients, it couldn't be simpler to make and is perfect for making ahead.

    Photo of a keto cheese ball with a slice taken out of it on a wooden cutting board surrounded by crackers.

    Can you believe it is September?

    In some ways, 2020 has been the longest year ever; in other ways, it seems odd to me that fall is approaching.

    I know the world looks different this year, and this fall will be unlike any fall we have ever experienced before. Still, I think most of us are looking forward to a little entertaining.

    While that may look different this year, I think it is essential to bring some tradition into the mix.

    Does it get any more classic than a cheese ball? I am not sure! But I do know that his Keto Cheese Ball is super-easy to make and always a hit with my family.

    I've kept the recipe simple, but make sure you check out that add-ins section if you are looking to take flavors to the next level.

    Can This Recipe Be Made Ahead of Time?

    Yes, you can make this recipe up to two days ahead of time. Keep leftovers sealed in plastic wrap for up to five days.

    Can it Be Frozen?

    I don't recommend it. Soft cheeses don't freeze well, and you can expect a pretty sharp deterioration in texture if you try to freeze.

    Softening Cream Cheese

    To soften cream cheese, you can leave it out on the counter for about one hour. To speed the process, you can cut it in cubes.

    I don't recommend trying to soften it in the microwave because this tends to cook the cream cheese. In a pinch, you can try cooking it for about 15 seconds.

    Some microwaves do have a "soften" function, with the option to enter what you are trying to soften (cream cheese, butter, etc.) and the amount. I have found these to be very useful.

    Add-Ins

    To the Cheese Ball

    • ½ cup sour cream
    • ¾ cup crumbled blue cheese
    • 2 teaspoons keto steak sauce
    • Seasonings - I like garlic powder, dill, oregano, and onion powder

    To the Coating

    • 4 strips of bacon, finely crumbled
    • 2 chopped green onions
    • 2 tablespoons chopped chives

    Can I Use Any Cheese?

    I love the smoked gouda because you get a lot of flavor without a lot of ingredients. However, feel free to use any shredded cheese you like. Smoked cheddar, sharp cheddar, and Swiss are all great options.

    I don't recommend using pre-shredded cheese because, in my opinion, the taste is inferior.

    Serving Suggestions

    I like to serve this low carb cheese ball with Keto Crackers or Keto Tortilla Chips. Cut veggies are fabulous as well!

    How to Make a Keto Cheese Ball

    First, start by mixing the cream cheese, smoked gouda, and garlic in a bowl, food processor, or bowl of a stand mixer. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

    Photo of cheese, cream cheese, and seasonings in a food processor.

    You want it to get really combined, so if you are mixing by hand, you will have to use a little muscle!

    Photo of cheese and cream cheese in a food processor after being blended.

    Form into a ball and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

    Photo of a cheese ball on a sheet of parchment paper.

    Place the chopped pecans on a plate or in a shallow bowl that is large enough for the cheeseball. Roll the ball in the pecans.

    Photo of a white bowl filled with chopped pecans and a cheese ball being rolled in it.

    Refrigerate for 4 hours before serving.

    Photo of a whole keto cheese ball garnished with parsley on a white platter surrounded by crackers.

    More Keto Recipes for Celebrating

    • These Keto Sausage Balls are so good that it is rare that a week goes by without my teen boys making them. Breakfast, appetizer or dinner? You decide!
    • Keto Buckeyes are great little nibbles that are perfect for entertaining.
    • If you like Southern classics, you are going to love these Keto Fried Green Tomatoes!
    • When you want to end the evening with a splash, this Keto Panna Cotta is perfection!
    Photo of a keto quickstart guide with the description of the guide on the right.
    If you like this recipe don't forget to leave a 5 star rating and let me know how it went in the below comments, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see all my delicious recipes.
    Square photo of a keto cheese ball with a slice taken out of it on a wooden cutting board surrounded by crackers.
    Print Recipe

    Keto Cheese Ball

    When you are looking for an easy to make appetizer that never fails to delight, it doesn't get much better than this low carb cheese ball.
    Prep Time15 mins
    Chilling4 hrs 30 mins
    Total Time4 hrs 45 mins
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Entertaining
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 246.91kcal
    Author: Wendy Polisi
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified sales.

    Equipment

    • Food Processor
    • or Stand Mixer

    Ingredients

    • 16 ounces cream cheese softened
    • 1 cup shredded smoked gouda cheese
    • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • ¾ cup chopped pecans

    Instructions

    • Place the cream cheese, gouda, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Stir to combine. Alternatively, you can mix in a food processor or the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment.
    • Form into a ball and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes
    • Place the chopped pecans on a plate and roll the ball in the pecans. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 246.91kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 7.8g | Fat: 23.26g | Saturated Fat: 11.19g | Cholesterol: 64.05mg | Sodium: 282.85mg | Potassium: 103.95mg | Fiber: 0.65g | Sugar: 1.92g | Vitamin A: 618.64IU | Vitamin C: 0.15mg | Calcium: 179.82mg | Iron: 0.36mg

    More Low Carb Appetizers to Try

    • Keto Crab Dip
    • Brie Appetizer Bites
    « Fathead Bagels
    Keto Teriyaki Sauce »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Welcome

    I'm Wendy and I'm here to show you just how delicious a low carb, gluten free and keto diet can be! You are just as likely to find me obsessing over all things cheesy as you are getting excited by a full produce drawer. I'm a mom to three, obsessive planner and roller coasters are my happy place. Let's dig deeper →

    Favorites

    Photo of Zucchini Enchiladas in a white casserole dish garnished with sour cream and jalapeno.
    Square overhead photo of a cloth lined basket of biscutis.
    Photo of a Keto Reuben Sandwich cut in half and stacked on a white cutting board.
    Square Overhead photo of keto chicken parmesan on a white plate against a dark wooden background.
    Overhead photo of Keto Marinara Sauce in a cast iron skillet garnished with parsley and sitting on a white background.
    Overhead photo of a bowl of Keto Cream of Mushroom Soup garnished with thyme on a wooden cutting board.

    More Posts from this Category

    Footer

    Privacy Policy

    Affiliate Disclosure

    Disclaimer

    Welcome to the Kicking Carbs website (“site“). Wendy Polisi is not a health professional and information on this blog, arising from this blog, or social media related to this blog is only her personal experience and opinions. You should always check with your health care provider before beginning any diet, health plan, or lifestyle change.

    Copyright © 2022 Kicking Carbs 2020