Garlic Herb Cheese Ball

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One of my favorite party appetizers has to be my garlic herb cheese ball. This easy cheese ball recipe combines cream cheese and parmesan cheese with fresh herbs, before being rolled into a ball and coated with crunchy chopped pecans.

Garlic Herb Cheese Ball

I’ve opted to use Philadelphia cream cheese, in my cheese ball recipe as it has great texture and flavor, but you can use any other brand of cream cheese. I also like to add in some shredded Parmesan cheese, it has a strong flavor which a sharpness that contrasts well with the fresh herbs.

Once you’ve assembled the cheese ball, just chill it in the refrigerator for an hour then serve with your favorite crackers. Leftovers, also make a tasty addition to a sandwich or bagel for an easy lunch the next day.

This simple cheese ball recipe takes only minutes to prepare and tastes delicious. It’s the perfect easy appetizer for parties and get togethers with family and friends. It’s also a great potluck, or games day appetizer as it can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to enjoy.

Garlic herb cheese ball ingredients

• CHEESE – I used 2 8 ounce packages of cream cheese, as well as some shredded parmesan cheese to make this cheese ball. The parmesan adds real depth of cheesy flavor.
• FRESH HERBS – I used a combination of finely chopped parsley, chives, dill, basil and oregano in this recipe.
• GROUND SPICES – I seasoned the cream cheese filling with some garlic and onion powder.
• NUTS – I coated the cheese ball in chopped pecans.

How to make garlic herb cheese ball

Stir together the cream cheese, parmesan cheese, parsley, chives, dill, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder together in a medium bowl.

Form the mixture into a ball and wrap tightly with plastic wrap.

Place in the refrigerator to chill for at least one hour.

When the cheese ball has hardened, remove the plastic wrap from the ball and coat the outside in chopped pecans.

Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.

Flavor variations

This simple cheese ball recipe is easily adapted to suit your own tastes, and what you have available in the refrigerator. Here are some ideas of what you could include or swap:

• Cheese – I’ve opted to use plain cream cheese, adding in the fresh herbs. However, you can use any variety and flavor in this simple cheese ball recipe. You could also swap cream cheese for ricotta, mascarpone, or a soft goats cheese.
• Herbs – use any mixture of freshly chopped herbs that you enjoy eating. If there is a herb you don’t like you can leave it out.
• Nuts – I have coated the cheese ball with chopped pecans. You could use any other nuts, like walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts or almonds.
• Bacon – stir some crispy bacon pieces through the cream cheese mixture.
• Fruit – fruit is a great addition to cheese, you could add some finely diced apricots, or some pineapple.
• Tomato – cheese and tomato are a winning flavor combination, try stirring some finely chopped sub-dried tomatoes through the cream cheese.

What do you serve with a cheese ball?

Savory cheese balls are a great addition to any cheeseboard alongside some sliced apple or pears. You could also add it to a cold cuts platter with some sliced meats and charcuterie.

I like to add my favorite crackers, toasted pitas, or some crusty bread. You can also spread it onto your favorite bread sandwich or bagel, its the perfect pairing with some smoked salmon.

Recipe hints & tips

• Remove the cream cheese from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before you try and assemble the cheese ball. If softened it will allow you to work the other ingredients in a lot easier.
• Do not overwork the cheese ball, only mix until you bring it together, otherwise you risk is becoming too soft and runny.
• If you decide to add in some wetter ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, only add a little, you don’t want the cheese mixture to become too wet or it becomes hard to handle.
• Once you’ve made the cheese ball store in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to chill and firm up the cheese ball, before serving.

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