Print

Taco Cheese Ball: The Ultimate Party Appetizer Recipe

Taco Cheese Ball: The Ultimate Party Appetizer Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 22 reviews

This Taco Cheese Ball is the ultimate party appetizer, combining creamy cheeses with zesty taco flavors and a crunchy tortilla chip coating. Perfect for gatherings, it’s easy to prepare ahead and pairs wonderfully with chips, crackers, and fresh vegetables for dipping.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cheese Ball:

  • 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup shredded taco cheese blend
  • 1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped black olives
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely minced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin

For the Coating:

  • 2 cups crushed tortilla chips (plain or flavored)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning

For Serving:

  • Tortilla chips
  • Crackers
  • Vegetables (carrots, celery, bell peppers)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cream cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened by removing it from the refrigerator at least one hour before starting or briefly microwaving it. This makes mixing smoother and easier.
  2. Mix the cheeses and seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and taco cheese blend using a stand mixer, hand mixer, or spoon. Add taco seasoning, chopped green onions, black olives, cilantro, minced jalapeno (if using), lime juice, garlic powder, and cumin. Mix thoroughly until creamy and smooth, ensuring no lumps remain. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
  3. Chill the mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to let flavors meld and to firm up the mixture for shaping.
  4. Prepare the coating: On a large plate or shallow dish, combine crushed tortilla chips, chopped cilantro, chopped green onions, and taco seasoning. Mix well. Use a food processor or crush tortilla chips manually until fine crumbs form.
  5. Form the cheese ball: Remove the cheese mixture from the refrigerator. Scoop out the mixture and shape it gently into a ball with your hands or a large spoon. If it sticks, dampen hands slightly with water to help shape.
  6. Coat the cheese ball: Roll the shaped cheese ball in the tortilla chip mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set the coating.
  7. Serve the cheese ball: Take the cheese ball out of the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly for easier spreading. Place it on a serving platter surrounded by tortilla chips, crackers, and fresh vegetables for dipping. Enjoy the crowd-pleasing appetizer!

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, leave some jalapeno seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
  • Make sure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cheese ball.
  • The cheese ball can be made a day ahead, which intensifies flavors.
  • Use flavored tortilla chips (such as taco or spicy ranch) for an extra dimension of flavor in the coating.
  • Keep refrigerated until just before serving for best texture and freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco cheese ball, party appetizer, cheese ball recipe, taco appetizer, easy cheese ball, tailgate snack, party food

Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/taco-cheese-ball-the-ultimate-party-appetizer-recipe/