Green Onion Cheese Ball
I grew up with a version of this creamy, tangy cheese ball on every holiday table — it disappears fast. This Green Onion Cheese Ball is a simple, make-ahead appetizer built from softened cream cheese, a little seasoning, scallions for brightness, and a crunchy almond coating. It’s the kind of dish you throw together in minutes and still get compliments on. If you enjoy fuss-free party bites, you might also like these slow-simmered Crockpot French Onion Meatballs that pair well with cocktail hours.
Why you’ll love this dish
This cheese ball is classic appetizer comfort: creamy interior, bright onion bite, and nutty crunch. It’s fast, budget-friendly, and doesn’t require an oven — perfect for holiday spreads, potlucks, last-minute guests, or a casual weekend snack board. Because it’s made mainly from cream cheese, it’s also very kid-friendly and easy to adapt for other flavors (smoked paprika, bacon, or fresh herbs).
“One of the easiest make-ahead appetizers—always vanishes before dinner. The almonds give it a grown-up crunch.” — family favorite review
How this recipe comes together
Before you dive in, here’s the straightforward plan: soften cream cheese, fold in seasonings and finely chopped green onions, shape into a firm ball, then roll the ball in sliced almonds. Chill until set, then serve with crackers or vegetable sticks. The entire hands-on work is just about 10 minutes; chilling is the only wait time.
I sometimes compare the savory onion profile to other onion-forward appetizers like our French Onion Meatballs, which use the same flavor family in a different format.
Gather these items
- 2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened (room temperature for easy mixing)
- 1/2 teaspoon beau monde or Bon Appétit seasoning (or use onion soup mix if that’s what you have)
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 4 green onions (scallions), chopped fine — both white and green parts
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (use toasted for extra flavor)
Notes/substitutions:
- If you don’t have beau monde, a mix of 1/4 tsp onion powder + a pinch of salt and sugar mimics it.
- For a nut-free coating, use finely chopped toasted breadcrumbs, crushed pretzels, or finely chopped crispy shallots.
- Use low-fat cream cheese if you prefer lighter texture; the ball will be slightly less rich.
How to prepare it
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened so it mixes smooth. Leave it at room temperature for 30–60 minutes if needed.
- Finely chop the green onions so they distribute evenly and don’t create large, wet pockets in the ball.
- Combine the softened cream cheese, beau monde/seasoning, dry mustard, and chopped green onions in a bowl. Mix until smooth and evenly blended.
- Form the mixture into a compact ball using lightly damp hands or by scooping onto plastic wrap and shaping.
- Spread sliced almonds on a plate. Roll the cheese ball gently in the almonds, pressing lightly so they adhere.
- Wrap the ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour (overnight is better for flavor melding).
- Serve chilled with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serve this cheese ball as the centerpiece of a snack board. Pair it with:
- Water crackers, wheat crackers, or buttery crostini.
- Sliced cucumbers, bell pepper strips, and celery for fresh crunch.
- Corn chips or pretzel twists for salty contrast.
- For seasonal fun, you can place a small pumpkin-shaped spread or themed cheese centerpiece next to it — see a festive take on shaped cheese balls like the pumpkin-shaped cheese ball for party inspiration.
Keeping leftovers fresh
Store refrigerated in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Properly stored, the cheese ball will keep for up to 5–7 days in the fridge. Do not leave it sitting out at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if ambient temperature is above 90°F/32°C) to prevent bacterial growth.
Freezing: You can freeze the cheese ball wrapped tightly in plastic and placed in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Note: texture may be slightly grainier after freezing; re-chill and stir gently if needed.
Pro chef tips
- Soften cream cheese completely for a silky texture — microwaving for 5–8 seconds can help if you’re short on time, but don’t melt it.
- Chop green onions very fine to avoid large watery pieces that can make the ball soft. Pat them dry if they’re particularly moist.
- Toast the sliced almonds lightly in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes until fragrant — this deepens flavor and adds crunch.
- For a perfectly round ball, shape the mixture inside plastic wrap: spoon onto wrap, gather edges, twist, and roll between your hands.
- If you want a firmer, sliceable log instead, use a mold or form the mixture into a cylinder in plastic wrap and chill.
Creative twists
- Bacon & chive: Fold in 1/3 cup cooked crispy bacon bits and extra chives; use chopped pecans for the coating.
- Herb & lemon: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest and 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley and dill; roll in chopped pistachios.
- Spicy jalapeño: Mix in 1 finely chopped jalapeño and a pinch of cayenne; coat with crushed tortilla chips.
- Vegan option: Use vegan cream cheese and a coating of toasted sunflower seeds or chopped almonds to keep the texture similar.
Your questions answered
Q: How long does it take to make?
A: Hands-on time is about 10–15 minutes. Chill at least 1 hour for firmness; overnight enhances flavor.
Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Yes — make it a day or two in advance and keep refrigerated. Put crackers out just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Q: Is there a nut-free version?
A: Definitely. Replace the almond coating with crushed pretzels, seasoned breadcrumbs, or toasted seeds for a nut-free finish.
Q: Can I add garlic or onion powder for extra flavor?
A: Yes. Add 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder if you want a stronger savory note, but taste as you go to avoid overpowering the green onions.
Conclusion
This Green Onion Cheese Ball is a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer that benefits from minimal prep and simple ingredients. For another take on this classic, you can compare my version to a home-cook favorite at Real Mom Kitchen’s Green Onion Cheese Ball, or explore a straightforward guide to cheese balls with helpful tips at Build Your Bite’s easy cheese ball recipe.
Green Onion Cheese Ball
Ingredients
Method
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for easy mixing.
- Chop green onions finely to avoid large, wet pockets in the cheese ball.
- In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, seasoning, dry mustard powder, and chopped green onions.
- Mix until smooth and evenly blended.
- Form the mixture into a ball using lightly damp hands or plastic wrap.
- Spread sliced almonds on a plate and roll the cheese ball gently, pressing lightly so the almonds adhere.
- Wrap the ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm (overnight for better flavor).
