Description
Dill pickle cheese ball brings zesty charm to party appetizers with creamy cream cheese and tangy pickles. Polish dill-infused texture and crisp coating create irresistible flavor combinations for gathering guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) sour cream
- 1 ½ cups (240 grams) chopped dill pickles
Seasoning Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Coating Ingredients:
- ½ cup (113 grams) shredded or chopped cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Whip cream cheese and sour cream together in a large mixing bowl, incorporating garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until the mixture becomes silky and aerated.
- Fold in sharp cheddar cheese, finely chopped dill pickles, and freshly minced dill, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.
- Position two intersecting plastic wrap strips on a clean countertop, creating a cross-like foundation for cheese ball formation.
- Carefully transfer the cheese mixture to the center of the plastic wrap, using the edges to help shape and compress the mixture into a compact spherical form.
- Securely twist the plastic wrap’s edges, creating a tight seal around the cheese mixture and refrigerate for minimum two hours to allow flavors to meld and texture to firm.
- Prepare the exterior coating by spreading a mixture of additional shredded cheddar, delicate dill fronds, and vibrant lemon zest across a flat surface.
- Gently unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it methodically through the coating, applying light pressure to ensure complete and even coverage.
- Artfully place the finished cheese ball on a decorative serving platter, presenting it alongside crisp crackers or an assortment of fresh, crunchy vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- Chilling is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and helping the cheese ball hold its shape, so don’t skip the 2-hour refrigeration time.
- Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure smooth blending and prevent lumpy consistency.
- Fresh dill adds a bright, herbaceous flavor that complements the tangy pickle notes perfectly.
- Pat chopped pickles dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from making the cheese ball soggy.
- For best results, prepare the cheese ball a day ahead to allow flavors to meld and develop deeper taste complexity.
- Customize the coating by experimenting with different herbs, nuts, or even crumbled bacon for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg