Description
This Creamy Dill Pickle Cheese Ball is a tangy and flavorful appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. It combines softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar, chopped dill pickles, and fresh dill, seasoned with garlic and onion powder, then coated with extra pickles and dill for an appetizing crunch. Serve chilled with your favorite crackers or fresh vegetables for a delicious, easy-to-make snack that guests will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Base
- 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium)
- 3/4 cup chopped dill pickles (well-drained)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice
Coating
- 1/4 cup additional chopped pickles (for coating)
- 2 tablespoons additional chopped dill (for coating)
Instructions
- Soften Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to soften, making it easier to mix into a smooth base.
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and pickle juice. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Pickles and Dill: Gently fold in the chopped dill pickles and fresh dill, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture for balanced flavor and texture.
- Form Cheese Ball: Scoop the mixture out onto a piece of plastic wrap. Using the wrap, shape the mixture into a round ball, then wrap it tightly. Chill the cheese ball in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up and meld the flavors.
- Prepare Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the additional chopped pickles and chopped dill. This mixture will provide a flavorful and textured coating for the cheese ball.
- Coat the Cheese Ball: Remove the cheese ball from the plastic wrap and roll it gently in the pickle and dill mixture, pressing lightly so the coating adheres evenly around the cheese ball.
- Serve or Store: Serve the cheese ball immediately with crackers or fresh vegetables, or refrigerate it until ready to serve. This appetizer stays fresh for several days when properly covered and chilled.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for easier mixing and smoother texture.
- Drain pickles well before chopping to avoid excess moisture in the cheese ball.
- Customize the cheese choice by using pepper jack or gouda for different flavor profiles.
- Allowing the cheese ball to chill overnight intensifies the flavors.
- Serve with a variety of crackers, sliced baguette, or raw veggies for dipping.
