Amish Cheese Ball Recipe: Creamy, Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer

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“Mom, someone’s here! I saw them coming in the driveway!”

A quick look out the window showed a jeep pulling in. One of the children darted to pick up Legos in the living room, but I waved them off. Within moments I was at the door greeting a gentleman who said he had a delivery for us.

“It’s rather heavy,” he said. “Where would be a good place to unload it?”

“Just drive right up through the yard to the sidewalk,” I replied — a practical suggestion that felt very much like Daniel would have given.

They brought two packages from the back of their car. Jesse stepped outside to see if he could help carry them in while the rest of us crowded the doorway with questions. The delivery driver told us it wasn’t from their company and that there were no names or addresses on the boxes. He mentioned he reads our weekly column and that the gifts came from Ohio. We still didn’t learn who sent them, but the note on the largest box said, “Open first.”

We peeled back pretty wrapping paper to reveal dozens of smaller, individually wrapped packages. A note explained the plan: beginning December 1 and continuing through Christmas, we were to open the package stamped with that day’s date. It was an immediate thrill — we had arrived at the threshold of a daily December surprise.

As December progressed, I found myself deeply moved by the generosity of this thoughtful stranger. The children’s squeals and wide-eyed delight have filled the house with warmth. The older children, especially, light up when a package contains a little something for me — perhaps a habit born of missing Daddy this season.

If you stepped inside our home today you’d hear the cheerful jingle of the front door chime, see a large snowman sticker on the door, a flickering candle on the kitchen table, and find more candy and small treasures than we can count, all gifts from these generous neighbors. We plan to take the remaining packages with us when we go to Ohio to spend Christmas with family and friends in Danville and Holmes County.

Everyone is excited about staying a week — I’ll admit I’m excited too. The mix of sadness and gladness, anticipation and apprehension, is hard to put into words. A card I received this week from Mrs. Stutzman carried a comforting thought: “With God there are no endings, only endless beginnings.”

To all who have offered kindness, prayers, and support this season: thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your care has brightened our days and reminded us how connected we are as we journey together toward eternity.

Before I close, I want to share a simple family recipe my grandmother often made during the holidays. It’s perfect for Christmas or New Year’s gatherings and always a crowd-pleaser.

📸 Editor’s Recipe Notes and Photos

This classic Amish cheese ball is easy to prepare and works well for parties or potlucks. The recipe is forgiving — my nine-year-old handled most of the work with only light supervision and even arranged a photo. Below are a few practical tips to tailor the cheese ball to your taste and needs.

Cheese Ball Pro Tips

• Nuts: If nut allergies are a concern, skip the nuts. They add crunch, but alternatives like diced celery, chopped bacon, or extra onion will provide texture.
• Cream Cheese: Plain cream cheese works well, but flavored varieties like chive & onion or garlic & herb add extra complexity.
• Recipe Size: Halving the recipe still yields a generous cheese ball that serves about six people.
• Versatility: If you’re missing onion powder, onion salt is a fine substitute. Garlic powder can replace garlic salt if needed. Add cayenne for heat.
• Suggestions: Try mixing in diced green pepper, scallions, or a scoop of sour cream or ranch seasoning for different flavors.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar is a great choice, but feel free to use any shredded cheese you prefer.

Serve this Amish cheese ball with Ritz crackers, Wheat Thins, bagel chips, or pita chips. It’s an attractive, tasty appetizer for any holiday table.

🧀 Delicious Amish Cheese Ball

• 2 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese
• 1 (8-ounce) package shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon onion salt
• 2 cups chopped onions
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup parsley flakes
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

📋 Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese and shredded cheddar until well blended.
2. Add the garlic salt, onion salt, chopped onions, and Worcestershire sauce, mixing until evenly incorporated. Reserve the parsley flakes and walnuts for coating.
3. Shape the mixture into a ball.
4. Roll the cheese ball in the parsley flakes and chopped walnuts until evenly coated. Chill before serving if desired.

🧀 More Amish Recipes With Cheese

Apple Gorgonzola Cheese Pizza

Bacon Cheese Dip

Beefy Cheese Bake

Cheddar Chowder

🖨️ Full Recipe