Sweet and Savory Date Cheeseball for Parties
Sneak Preview: This Date-Sweetened Cheeseball is a delightful mix of CREAM CHEESE and COTTAGE CHEESE, naturally sweetened with DATES and coated in toasted PECANS. Serve with buttery crackers or fresh fruit for a unique, crowd-pleasing dessert or appetizer. Make ahead for easy entertaining!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Looking for something different from cakes and cookies? This cheeseball is just the right balance of sweet and savory. Naturally sweetened with dates, it skips the added sugar while still satisfying your sweet tooth. Bonus: it’s quick to assemble and can be prepped the night before.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- COTTAGE CHEESE:
- Adds lightness
- Lends a mild taste
- CREAM CHEESE:
- Use Neufchatel for fewer calories
- Use Mascarpone for a richer flavor
- LEMON JUICE:
- Enhances flavor
- Fresh is best
- DATES:
- Whole dates are ideal
- Dried figs can be substituted
- Remove seeds
- PECANS:
- Toast for maximum flavor
- Substitute with toasted walnuts or sliced almonds.
What to Serve with a Date Cheeseball
- Fresh Fruit: Add strawberries or raspberries for color and freshness.
- Crackers: Buttery crackers like Ritz or graham crackers pair beautifully.

How To Make a Date Cheeseball Recipe

1. Place chopped pecans onto a paper plate.
2. Roll cheeseball in pecans to cover.
3. Line a small dish with plastic wrap and press the coated cheeseball inside.
4. Chill for at least 2. hours.
5. Unmold onto a serving dish.
Need ideas for leftover dates?
- Top Ritz crackers with dates for a quick snack.
- Chop and add to bread like Banana Whole Wheat Yeast Bread.
- Use them to sweeten spreads like Pumpkin Butter.
Need help troubleshooting? Email me: Paula at saladinajar.com—photos welcome!
Paula Rhodes, owner
As a retired home economist, I created Saladinajar.com to share my belief that you don’t have to be a chef to find joy in creating homemade food worth sharing. Bread machines (used in an unconventional way), homemade yogurt, and quick microwave recipes are my specialty.