Description
Springtime celebrations come alive with this super easy Easter cheese ball, blending creamy textures and festive flavors. Easter gatherings become memorable when you serve this delightful appetizer that brings family and friends together around one irresistible centerpiece.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeses:
- 16 ounces (450 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Herbs and Aromatics:
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (or green onions)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Binding and Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate cream cheese, cheddar, Parmesan, mayonnaise, and garlic until achieving a uniform, silky consistency.
- Incorporate finely chopped chives and parsley, seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
- Transfer the creamy mixture onto parchment paper, artfully molding it into a compact spherical form approximately the size of a tennis ball.
- Craft a textural exterior by blending chopped nuts, sesame seeds, and vibrant lemon zest in a separate container.
- Gently enrobe the cheese sphere with the nutty coating, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Securely wrap the cheese ball in plastic film and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing flavors to meld and texture to solidify.
- When ready to serve, extract from the refrigerator and present alongside crisp crackers, rustic baguette slices, or an array of fresh, crunchy vegetables.
Notes
- Opt for room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smoother, easier-to-mix consistency without lumps.
- Swap out traditional nuts for a nut-free version by using seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for allergy-friendly alternatives.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like goat cheese or blue cheese to create unique flavor profiles that suit your taste preferences.
- Make ahead and store in the refrigerator up to 3 days before serving, allowing flavors to meld and develop a more intense taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Rolling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 181 kcal
- Sugar: 0.4 g
- Sodium: 215 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg