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Dill Pickle Cheese Balls Recipe: Mini Keto Appetizer
If you're looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that's bursting with flavor, you've come to the right place.
These Dill Pickle Cheese Balls are a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors.
They’re easy to make, visually appealing, and delicious. They’re great for game day, parties, family gatherings, or even as a snack for yourself.
The combination of cream cheese and cheddar with the tanginess of pickles is the perfect flavor combo!
Here's how to make this easy cheese ball recipe!
Instructions for dill pickle cheese balls
Let's make this easy cheese ball appetizer!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Make sure you have everything ready to go. Soften your cream cheese to room temperature to make blending easier. Gather the remaining ingredients, and set aside.
Step 2: Blend It All Together
In a food processor, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped deli ham, chopped pickle spears, garlic powder, black pepper, and fresh dill.
Pulse until the mixture is smooth and well combined. If you don't have a food processor, you can mix everything by hand, but make sure the ingredients are finely chopped.
Step 3: Chill Out
Transfer the cheese mixture to a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Pop it in the fridge for at least one hour. This step is crucial because it helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to roll into balls later.
Step 4: Roll Them
After chilling, use a tablespoon to scoop out portions of the cheese mixture. Roll each portion between your hands to form even balls.
This recipe makes about 20 cheese balls. If the mixture gets too sticky, you can lightly oil your hands or use a bit of water to make rolling easier.
You can use a toothpick to make serving a little easier!
Step 5: Chill Until Ready to Serve
Place the finished cheese balls on a serving platter and chill them in the fridge until you're ready to serve. This will keep them firm and easy to handle.
They can be made a day ahead, which is great for party planning. Just cover them with a piece of plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator.
Ingredients for mini dill pickle cheese balls
Here's What You Need:
- Cream cheese, softened
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Deli ham, finely chopped
- Chopped dill pickle spears
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Fresh chopped dill
Serving suggestions for mini cheese ball recipe
These Dill Pickle Cheese Balls are versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are a few ideas to make your presentation even more impressive:
- With Crackers: Arrange the cheese balls on a platter with an assortment of crackers. The crunchy texture of the crackers complements the creamy cheese balls beautifully.
- With Sliced Vegetables: Serve with an array of fresh veggies like cucumber slices, carrot sticks, and bell pepper strips. It adds a healthy touch and a nice crunch.
- On a Charcuterie Board: Add these cheese balls to your charcuterie board along with meats, cheeses, fruits, and nuts for a visually appealing and delicious spread.
Tips and Variations
- Add Some Heat: For those who like a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeños to the cheese mixture.
- Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the mix. A little smoked paprika or some finely chopped chives could add a nice touch.
More Pickle Recipes
Can you Reuse Pickle Brine for Homemade Pickles?
Dill Pickle Cheese Balls
Ingredients
- 1 8 ounce Package Cream Cheese softened
- 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese or any shredded cheese or choice
- 6 Slices Deli Ham chopped
- 5 Pickle Spears chopped
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 Sprig Fresh Dill chopped
- 8 Slices Bacon cooked and finely chopped
Instructions
- Combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, deli ham, pickle spears, garlic powder, black pepper, and dill in a food processor. Pulse until smooth and well combined.
- Cover and chill the cheese mixture for at least one hour.
- Use a tablespoon to scoop out balls of cheese mixture and form into an even ball between your hands. Roll the ball in the bacon pieces to coat.
- Chill until ready to serve.
Nutrition
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