April 17 is celebrated as National Cheese Ball Day. If this party appetizer is something you enjoy, read on for some fun facts and recipes to honor this tasty food holiday.
One of the great things about cheese balls is that there are both savory and sweet versions of them. We have plenty of recipes for both below.
April is a month full of national days devoted to all sorts of food. Check out the full list of April national food days here.
What is a cheese ball?
A cheese ball is a party appetizer that is normally made with cheddar cheese, cream cheese, onions and spices. Often the ball is coated in chopped pecans.
Over the years since it first appeared, the sky is the limit for ingredients in the ball and on its outside coating
Fun facts about cheese balls
Brush up on your knowledge of cheese balls with these fun facts. Some may surprise you!
- According to legend, Michelle Buffardi, the author of Great Balls of Cheese, says that the first cheese ball in recorded history was made by Elisha Brown, Jr in 1801. He presented the cheese ball to President Jefferson at the White House.
- The term “cheese ball” can also refer a commercial snack that looks like puffed air and has an orange outside to it.
- Cheese ball also is used to refer to a person or thing which lacks taste, style, or originality.
- Cheese balls are often served at parties during the holidays.
- The earliest mention of a cheese ball was in a 1944 cookbook called “Food of My Friends”.
How to celebrate National Cheese Ball Day
Would you like to celebrate National Cheese Ball Day in a special way? Try one of these ideas.
- Brush up on your cheese ball technique with a cheese balls cookbook.
- Have a party and ask everyone to bring their favorite cheese ball to sample.
- And, of course, make a cheese ball yourself for your friends and family.
- Spread the word on social media using the hashtag #nationalcheeseballday. Here is a tweet to get you started:
Recipes for National Cheese Ball Day
Cheese balls are the perfect way to start any party. They are savory and easy to make and everyone loves them! Try one of these on for size.
Cheese Ball Recipes
Easy and fun to make, these cheese ball recipes will be the hit of your next party.
Football Cheese Ball – Easy, Spicy and Fun!
Your game party will be a huge hit with this football shaped cheese ball. Dig in!
Game Day Cheese Balls – Sweet and Sour Style
Cheese balls don't need to be savory. This yummy ball is covered in Skittles candy. The kids will love it.
Candy Cane Cream Cheese Spread
Shape your cheese spread into a candy cane shape and decorate with bell peppers for a festive look
Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball
Make this easy jalapeno popper cheese ball for your next party or gathering, and watch it disappear fast! This is a great make ahead appetizer!
Bacon and Chives Cheese Balls Recipe
Easy, cheesy and bacony bite-size appetizer ideal for your holiday parties or even game days!
Cherry Chocolate Chip Cheeseball
A delicious, sweet cheese ball filled with Maraschino cherries and mini chocolate chips! Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special day!!
Carrot Cheese Ball Easter Appetizer
This darling and delicious carrot cheese ball which makes a charming Easter appetizer, don’t you think?
Oreo Cookies and Cream Cheese Ball for Game Day
If you love sweet cheese ball recipes, this Oreo cookies and cream cheese ball recipe for game day is going to knock your socks off! Whatever that means.
Bolitas de Queso (Fried Cheese Balls)
What’s better than cheese? Fried cheese balls (bolitas de queso)! Only three ingredients in this easy, cheesy appetizer that’s crunchy on the outside while melted and gooey on the inside.
Turkey Cheese Ball Thanksgiving Appetizer
What’s inside: This turkey cheese ball is a super cute Thanksgiving appetizer that takes just minutes to assemble with our shortcut recipe!
More national days in April
There are close to 2000 national days in the year and over 150 of them are celebrated in April. Be sure to check out this post to discover more about the national days in April.
Be sure to also check out these national days this month:
- National Cinnamon Crescent Day
- National Picnic Day
- Chocolate Covered Cashews Day
- National Grilled Cheese Day
Pin this post for National Cheese Ball Day for later
Would you like a reminder of this post for National Cheese Ball Day? Just pin this image to one of your cooking boards on Pinterest so that you can easily find it later.
If you’re interested in learning about more food days in April, make sure to check out our YouTube video.
