How to Make Picture-Perfect Fall Cheese Balls
Cheese balls are a classic appetizer for any season or occasion but giving this creamy recipe a distinctly autumn twist by shaping them to look like fresh fall apples is an easy way to make your grazing spread a showstopper. Here you’ll learn how to make the perfect fall cheese ball that’s completely customizable to meet your party’s colors, theme, or flavors thanks to our Test Kitchen’s rich and creamy cheese ball recipes (or use them as inspiration to create your own). Polish off your best serving platter and grab your favorite pita chips, crackers, and other dippers, because you're going to want to start savoring these cheese balls immediately.
Andy Lyons
How to Make Apple-Shape Cheese Balls
Presentation is important, but it's really all about the cheese. Before you start decorating your fall cheese balls, make sure you have a delicious cheese ball recipe to use as a base. We love these bacon cheddar cheese balls (you can never go wrong with bacon), but there are dozens of options to choose from. Try one of our favorites, or create your own flavor combo.
Michael Wurm, Jr.
Step 1: Shape Cheese Ball
Once you've made and cooled your cheese ball mixture, shape each ball into an apple shape. Don't worry about making any of them perfectly smooth or round—no apple is perfect! Then use one finger to make an indent in the top of each cheese ball, where you will later insert the stem. Roll each cheese ball through the desired topping until coated.
Michael Wurm, Jr.
Step 2: Choose a Cheese Ball Topping
Of course, you want your topping to complement the flavor of the cheese ball itself, but there are a few different toppings you can use to make your apple-shape cheese balls look even more realistic. To make a red apple, try using paprika ($7, The Spice House) for the outer coating. Finely shredded cheddar cheese can make a convincing yellow apple, while chopped pistachio nuts will give the appearance of a light green apple. Experiment with your own topping combinations to make truly unique apple-esque appetizers.
Michael Wurm, Jr.
Step 3: Add a Stem to Cheese Fall
Once your cheese balls are coated, insert a real or fake twig with leaves into the indentation on top of the cheese ball. You can also use a cinnamon stick for a stem to give your fall cheese balls even more autumnal flair.
Michael Wurm, Jr.
Step 4: Grab Your Dippers and Serve
Complete your fall-themed appetizer spread by serving the apple cheese ball on a seasonal serving plate ($50, Crate & Barrel) or food board ($21, Society6). Whether you reach for crackers, veggies, or fruit is entirely up to you—no matter what you serve with these gorgeous fall cheese balls, your guests won't be able to resist the temptation.
Related: Everything You Need to Know to Host the Ultimate Appetizers-Only Dinner Party
Don't stop at cheese balls. There are plenty of other crave-worthy appetizers you can serve at your next party—both with and without oodles of cheese.
