Description
Creamy dill pickle cheese ball brings zesty Polish-inspired flavors to party appetizers. Guests will devour this simple, crowd-pleasing snack that combines tangy pickles, smooth cream cheese, and crunchy exterior you can’t resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/4 cup (15 grams) chopped fresh parsley
Add-ins:
- 1/4 cup (40 grams) chopped dill pickles
- 1 cup (100 grams) chopped pecans
Instructions
- Blend softened cream cheese with sharp cheddar, finely chopped dill pickles, garlic powder, onion powder, fresh dill, and chopped parsley in a mixing bowl until ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and create a smooth, tangy mixture.
- Using clean hands, gently form the cheese blend into a compact, round sphere ensuring uniform shape and consistent density.
- Carefully roll the cheese ball across a plate of finely chopped pecans, rotating and pressing gently to create an even, crunchy exterior coating that adheres completely to the surface.
- Transfer the pecan-crusted cheese ball to a covered container and refrigerate for minimum 60 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and texture to firm up.
- When ready to serve, remove from refrigerator and place on a decorative platter alongside an assortment of crisp crackers, sliced fresh vegetables, or rustic bread for dipping and spreading.
Notes
- Drain pickles thoroughly to prevent excess moisture that could make the cheese ball soggy and lose its perfect shape.
- Toast pecans lightly before coating for an enhanced nutty flavor and extra crunch that elevates the overall texture.
- For a lighter version, swap full-fat cream cheese with reduced-fat or Greek yogurt cream cheese to cut down on calories without sacrificing taste.
- Prepare the cheese ball a day ahead to allow flavors to meld together, creating a more complex and delicious appetizer that will impress guests.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Rolling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 278
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 204 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 24 mg