These Festive Cheese Balls are such a fun appetizer option. So simple to make and super versatile and customisable. The foundation is cream cheese, then let your imagination flow with your choice of filling and topping. I’ll list what I chose to use on this occasion, but do feel free to make them according to your taste. Feel free to make them in advance as well.
I made a few different options, both savoury leaning and a some sweet. For the slightly sweeter ones I used a simple filling of cream cheese, a little finely grated parmesan and some mixed dried herbs. I then rolled some in a combination of dried cranberries and roasted pistachios, and the rest were rolled in a date and walnut combo.
For the savoury leaning versions, I blitzed some fresh basil, parsley and sundried tomatoes in the food processor, then added a little pesto to the cream cheese filling before rolling. And finally, I mixed a little harissa paste into the remaining cream cheese mixture and rolled the final balls in some everything bagel seasoning.
Please note that it’s not really possible to give exact quantities in the recipe below as it will depend on how many cheeseballs you need as well as your flavour choices. I will provide the basics as a guide, but you will likely need to taste and add as you go.
Serve these festive cheese balls with your favourite selection of crackers. These are sure to be a hit with most guests.
For a similar snack platter option, check out my Christmas Charcuterie Board. Or for something super cheesy and very different, check out my Savoury Cheesecake recipe.
Festive Cheese Balls
Ingredients
Basic Filling:
- 500 grams Plain full fat cream cheese Softened to room temperature
- 1 cup Very finely grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp Dried Italian Herb Mix or Mixed Herbs
Topping Options:
Cranberry & Pistachio:
- 50 gram Dried Cranberries
- 50 gram Roasted Pistachios (shelled)
Date & Walnut:
- 50 gram Dates, pitted
- 50 gram Roasted Walnuts/Pecan nuts
Basil & Sundried Tomato:
Optional filling addition
- 2 tbsp Basil Pesto
Topping
- ½ cup Fresh Basil
- ¼ cup Fresh parsley Optional
- ¼ cup Sundried Tomatoes
A hint of Spice:
Optional filling addition
- 2 tbsp Harissa paste / sundried tomato pesto / red pepper pesto
- 1 tsp Chilli Sauce or chilli jam Optional
Topping
- ½ cup Everything Bagel Seasoning*
Instructions
- Mix together the softened cream cheese, very finely grated parmesan and dried herbs. If making different filling options, divide the mixture accordingly and set aside
- For each of the toppings, combine the ingredients in a food processor and pulse until a fine chop stage which will coat the balls. Prepare each and set aside
- To make the balls, scoop a teaspoon sized amount of filling and drop into the topping of choice, carefully roll around until evenly coated, the gently roll in the palm of your hand to ensure a round shape
- Store in the fridge until serving
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