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Creamy Garlic Cheese Ball Recipe – Easy Party Appetizer with Herb and Nut Crust

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This creamy garlic cheese ball features a blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and parmesan, with mellow roasted garlic and a crunchy herb and nut crust. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties, holidays, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
  • 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large cloves roasted garlic, mashed (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, finely chopped and lightly toasted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for crust)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill or thyme, chopped (for crust)
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for crust)

Instructions

  1. Leave cream cheese and butter out at room temperature for 30–45 minutes to soften.
  2. If using fresh garlic, preheat oven to 400°F. Slice top off a bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30–40 minutes until soft and golden. Cool, then squeeze out 2 cloves. (Or use garlic powder.)
  3. Toast chopped pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Set aside to cool.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, parmesan, and butter. Beat with a hand mixer or mash with a spatula until smooth and creamy.
  5. Add roasted garlic, chives, parsley, black pepper, salt, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until well blended.
  6. Scoop cheese mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Gather wrap around cheese and shape into a ball (or log). Twist ends to seal. Chill in fridge for at least 1 hour, up to 24 hours.
  7. On a plate, mix cooled toasted nuts, parsley, dill or thyme, and paprika. Spread into an even layer.
  8. Unwrap chilled cheese ball and gently roll in herb and nut mixture, pressing lightly so everything sticks. Fill in bald patches as needed.
  9. Place finished cheese ball on a serving plate, cover loosely, and chill until ready to serve (at least 30 minutes more). Bring to room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Notes

For nut-free, use toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Dairy-free versions work with vegan cream cheese and shreds. Chilling is key for texture and flavor. Roll in crust just before serving for freshest results. Leftovers make a great spread for bagels or sandwiches.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheese ball, party appetizer, garlic, herbs, nuts, holiday, snack, easy, gluten-free, vegetarian

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/creamy-garlic-cheese-ball-recipe-easy-party-appetizer-with-herb-and-nut-crust/