This French Onion Cheese Ball is a delicious savory appetizer that is sure to impress all your friends. It’s also super easy to whip up!
French Onion Cheese Ball
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Try some other great appetizer recipes like Bloody Mary Cheese Ball, Pomegranate and Thyme Baked Brie and Asiago Artichoke Dip.
In my mind, Cheese Balls are the quintessential option to bring to a party. They’re super easy to make, and are always a crowd pleaser. And they also give a ton of great potential for a variety of flavor combinations.
This particular cheese ball recipe was inspired by a classic french onion dip. It’s made with caramelized onions so it’s got all the savory goodness of a cozy french onion soup. Rolled into a ball of cream cheese and covered in crispy french fired onions and a sprinkle of fresh thyme, it’s truly a showstopper.
Tips for how to make a cheese ball
- Softening the cream cheese helps it max more evenly- you can leave it at room temperature in advance or zap it in the microwave for 30 seconds to a minute.
- If you’re having trouble rolling the mixture into a ball, pop it into the fridge for 10 minutes and try again, that should help. I also use plastic wrap to help get a nice shape.
- I refrain from rolling the cheese ball in the french fried onions until shorty before serving to help maintain their nice, crispy texture.
How do you caramelize onions?
Don’t worry, it’s easy. You place some oil in a saute pan and heat it over medium. Then add your onions (in this case they’re chopped but you can also slice them). Then you let them go, stirring periodically. They key is to never let the heat go over medium, because you want them to go low and slow. You should also keep an eye on the heat and reduce if needed.
How long can a cheese ball keep in the refrigerator?
Up to 3 days covered, although the french fried onions may lose their crispy texture. You could totally make the cheeseball ahead and top with the fried onions before serving.
Can I freeze a cheese ball?
Yes, although I’d freeze this without the french fried onions. Be sure to wrap it well and thaw 24 hours prior to serving.
How do you serve a cheese ball?
I like to serve it with crackers and sliced and toasted baguette but you can also serve it with vegetable crudite.
Can I serve this as cheeseball bites?
Totally! I haven’t measured but it should make around 20 bites depending on the size you make them (I’d say to use a small cookie scoop).
Ingredients:
- Olive oil
- Onions
- Balsamic vinegar
- Fresh thyme
- Kosher salt
- Ground black pepper
- Cream cheese
- Worcestershire sauce
- Onion powder
- Gruyere cheese
- Low sodium soy sauce
- French Fried onions
Helpful tools:
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Stand mixer
or Hand mixer
- Large saute pan
- Wooden spoon
or 
This French Onion Cheese Ball is a delicious savory appetizer that is sure to impress all your friends. It's also super easy to whip up!This French Onion Cheeseball is a delicious savory appetizer that is sure to impress all your friends. It's also super easy to whip up!
- 2 Tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 cups chopped onions
- 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme + extra for garnish
- 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese
- 1 Tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1 can french fried onions
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Heat oil over medium heat in a saute pan.
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Once the oil is shimmering add onions. Saute for 10 minutes, stirring often.
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Add balsamic vinegar, thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper to pan.
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Cook for 20 more minutes, stirring periodically or until the onions are golden and caramelized (reduce the heat if necessary). Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
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In a large bowl combine cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, remaining salt, remaining pepper, gruyere cheese and soy sauce. Mix until well combined.
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Add cooled onions and mix again until well combined.
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Shape cheese into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap.
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Refrigerate for at least an hour to overnight.
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Just before serving, unwrap ball and roll it in the french fried onions. Top with chopped fresh thyme and serve with crackers and toasted baguette.
If you tried this recipe please comment and rate it 🙂 I love hearing your feedback and answering your questions! And if you make this please tag me on Instagram with @thelifejolie so I can share it <3
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