Description
Classic Italian bruschetta cheese ball combines creamy textures with zesty Mediterranean flavors. Garlic, basil, and tomatoes meld together, creating a crowd-pleasing appetizer you’ll want to share with friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12.35 oz (350 g) cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheese mix (mozzarella, parmesan)
- ½ cup olives, chopped
- ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, divided
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tomato, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsps dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp butter
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Tomato Preparation: Divide sun-dried tomatoes into two portions – one for blending into the cheese mixture and another for garnishing.
- Flavor Fusion: Combine cream cheese, shredded cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, basil, olives, garlic, oregano, and seasonings in a mixing bowl. Blend thoroughly until achieving a smooth, uniform consistency.
- Cheese Ball Formation: Shape the seasoned cheese mixture into a compact, symmetrical sphere, ensuring even density and texture.
- Chilling Process: Envelop the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to solidify and intensify flavors.
- Breadcrumb Transformation: Toast panko breadcrumbs in a skillet over medium heat, stirring continuously until achieving a golden, crisp texture with a rich, nutty essence.
- Coating Application: Carefully unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll its surface completely in the toasted breadcrumbs, applying gentle, consistent pressure for comprehensive coverage.
- Artistic Garnishing: Embellish the exterior with reserved diced sun-dried tomatoes and delicate fresh basil leaves, creating an elegant and visually striking presentation.
- Serving Suggestion: Plate the bruschetta cheese ball alongside crusty baguette slices, artisan crackers, or fresh vegetable crudités for an sophisticated appetizer experience.
Notes
- Tomato Prep Tip: Chop sun-dried tomatoes into two portions – one for blending into cheese mixture, the other for garnishing, ensuring maximum flavor distribution and visual appeal.
- Cheese Mixing Technique: Blend ingredients thoroughly until smooth, allowing each component to integrate fully, creating a rich and balanced flavor profile.
- Chilling Importance: Refrigerate cheese ball for at least 30 minutes to firm up texture and allow flavors to meld, resulting in a more cohesive and intense taste experience.
- Breadcrumb Coating Trick: Toast panko breadcrumbs carefully in a skillet, stirring consistently to achieve a golden, crispy exterior that adds delightful crunch and nutty depth to the cheese ball.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg