Description
Creamy dill pickle cheese ball delight brings zesty Mediterranean flavors to party appetizers. Crisp crackers and fresh herbs complement this crowd-pleasing snack that brings festive cheer to your gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1.5 cups (170 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) chopped dill pickles
Cheese and Pickle Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons pickle juice
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Coating and Garnish:
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped chives
Instructions
- In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate softened cream cheese with sharp cheddar, incorporating finely diced dill pickles and fragrant fresh dill for an intense flavor profile.
- Splash in a hint of pickle juice to amplify the tangy essence, then season with garlic and onion powders, complemented by a delicate balance of salt and pepper.
- Thoroughly blend all components until a uniform, creamy consistency emerges, ensuring no ingredient clusters remain.
- Carefully transfer the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap, using gentle motions to sculpt into a perfectly rounded sphere or elegant log shape.
- Securely encase the cheese formation, then nestle in the refrigerator for a minimum of 60 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and texture to solidify.
- Once chilled, unwrap and optionally roll the cheese ball in crushed pecans, creating a delightful crunchy exterior that adds textural contrast.
- Embellish the surface with delicate, freshly snipped chives, providing a vibrant green garnish that hints at the herbaceous undertones within.
- Extract from refrigeration approximately 10 minutes prior to serving, permitting a slight softening that enhances spreadability.
- Present alongside crisp crackers, raw vegetable sticks, or artisan bread slices, inviting guests to indulge in this zesty appetizer.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth, easy mixing, preventing lumps and creating a creamy texture.
- Drain pickles thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that could make the cheese ball soggy and lose its perfect consistency.
- Chop pickles and herbs finely for even distribution and balanced flavor in every bite of the cheese ball.
- Substitute pecans with alternative coatings like crushed everything bagel seasoning or crispy bacon bits for unique flavor variations and dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg