This Herb and Garlic Cheese Ball is a fun appetizer that brings creamy cheese and zesty herbs together. It’s shaped into a ball for easy serving, making it perfect for parties!
Honestly, who wouldn’t love cheese that makes you feel fancy? I like to serve it with crunchy crackers. It’s a hit every time and super easy to make—just mix, shape, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the base of the cheese ball. Make sure it’s softened so it mixes well. If you want a lighter option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese instead.
Goat Cheese: Adding goat cheese gives a nice tang. You can skip it if you’re not a fan. Cream cheese works fine all by itself!
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: It adds a rich flavor. Choose a good quality sharp cheddar. For a twist, you could use smoked cheddar.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley, chives, and thyme bring freshness. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs work too, but use less since they’re more concentrated.
Nuts: I love using pecans or walnuts for crunch. If you have nut allergies, finely chopped crispy fried onions or seeds can be a great alternative.
How Do You Shape a Perfect Cheese Ball?
Shaping the cheese ball is easy, but here are some steps to help you get it just right. First, after refrigerating, the mixture should be firm but malleable for shaping.
- Remove the cheese mixture from the plastic wrap and place it on a clean surface.
- Using your hands, gather the mixture into a ball. It helps to wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking.
- Once formed, roll it gently to ensure it’s smooth. Press lightly if it feels too soft.
After shaping, roll it in the coating mixture. Press lightly to help it stick, ensuring an even coverage for flavor and a pretty presentation!
How to Make Herb And Garlic Cheese Ball
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 oz goat cheese or cream cheese (optional for tanginess)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt (optional, depending on cheese saltiness)
For the Coating:
- 1/2 cup crushed nuts (pecans or walnuts) or finely chopped crispy fried onions for coating
- 1 tbsp red pepper flakes (optional, for coating added flavor and heat)
For Serving:
- Crackers or sliced baguette
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cheese ball takes about 15 minutes to prepare and needs at least 1-2 hours in the refrigerator to firm up. So, plan for a total of around 2 hours and 15 minutes to get this yummy appetizer ready.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Cheese Base:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, goat cheese (if using), and shredded cheddar cheese. Use a fork or a hand mixer to blend them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Add the Flavor:
Next, stir in the minced garlic, fresh parsley, chives, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and optional salt. Make sure to mix everything thoroughly so the flavors spread evenly throughout the cheese.
3. Chill the Mixture:
Transfer the cheese mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Wrap it up tightly, shaping it into a ball as you go, and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours. This will help the cheese ball firm up, making it easier to handle later.
4. Prepare the Coating:
While the cheese ball is chilling, mix the crushed nuts (or crispy fried onions) and red pepper flakes on a plate. This will provide a delightful coating for your cheese ball.
5. Shape the Cheese Ball:
Once the cheese ball has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Using your hands, carefully shape it into a firm ball again if needed. The cheese should hold together well.
6. Roll in the Coating:
Now, roll the cheese ball in the nut and herb coating mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks well to the cheese. This will add a great crunch and flavor to each bite!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the coated cheese ball to a serving platter. You can garnish it with extra fresh herbs for a lovely touch if desired. Serve it chilled or at room temperature with crackers, sliced baguette, or even fresh vegetables for dipping.
This herb and garlic cheese ball is a creamy, flavorful party favorite combining fresh herbs and bold garlic with a crunchy, savory coating. It’s perfect for any gathering and will surely impress your guests! Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Cheeses in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. You can substitute the cheddar with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a kick. Just keep the cream cheese as the base for creaminess.
How Can I Make This Cheese Ball Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the cheese mixture and shape it into a ball up to 2 days in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. Coat it just before serving for the best texture!
What Should I Do If the Mixture Is Too Soft?
If your cheese mixture seems too soft to shape, chill it for an additional 30 minutes. You can also add a bit more shredded cheese to help firm it up, which can also enhance the flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for snacking, but the coating might lose some crunch. To revive it, you can roll it in new nuts or crispy onions before serving again!