This Dill Pickle Cheese Ball is an easy appetizer that comes together in minutes and contains maximum dill pickle flavour. Dress it up for the holidays or keep it low key for game day. This one’s a winner!
This holiday themed Dill Pickle Cheese Ball will be the centre of attention at your holiday gathering, potluck, or family dinner. Made from softened cream cheese and chopped dill pickles, this cheese ball tastes almost exactly like dill pickle chip dip.
The best part? You can make it ahead of time or whip it up in under an hour.
What is a Cheese Ball?
A Cheese Ball is a highly customize-able sweet or savoury appetizer that contains a base of softened cream cheese mixed with other cheeses, nuts, seeds, meats, spices, or vegetables.
The ball is hand formed, then rolled in any variety of attractive coatings. In addition, many recent novel Cheese Balls are shaped and decorated to resemble festive objects, woodland animals or other interesting shapes.
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Cheese Balls – An Elevated Cheese Invention
Have you ever head the expression, “Cheese is milk’s leap toward immortality”? If the former is true than Cheese balls are ‘cheese’s leap towards infamy’.
The first Cheese Ball recorded was a giant 1235 pound behemoth sent from Elder John Leland of Cheshire, Massachusetts to President Thomas Jefferson in the early 1800’s.
Can you imagine a cheese ball this size rolling across the White House lawn?!
Much later on in the 1940’s, Cheese Balls became known as a highly adaptable and economical staple on wartime gatherings. If you have leftover cheese ends from Christmas or a party, a cheese ball is a great way to use them up.
Take a look on Pinterest and you’ll find this cheesy staple has withstood the test of time and has even developed a bit of a cult following.
My Dill Pickle Cheese Ball Inspiration
Growing up I was infatuated with ripple chips dipped in Old Dutch Dill Pickle Chip Dip. On the farm, we didn’t eat a lot of ‘junk food’ so it was a real treat when our parents bought us chips and dip.
These days, I still have the odd craving for this tasty snack. By adding chopped up dill pickles, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder to cream cheese, I have come really close to creating a grow up version of my favourite childhood snack.
How to Make a Dill Pickle Cheese Ball
Cheese Balls are so easy to make! Begin with room temperature cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer, then add in the rest of the ingredients.
After they are mixed together, scrape the mixture onto a plate and place in the freezer for 45 minutes. This helps the cheese to firm up before the final shaping.
Next, shape the mixture into a ball with your hands. Smooth out any lumps or divots, then roll in the freshly chopped dill and garnish.
What to Serve with a Dill Pickle Cheese Ball
When you’re ready to serve the Cheese Ball you have a variety of serving options. Classic Ritz Crackers are always a favourite, as are ripple chips.
To mix it up a bit, serve it with pita chips or naan bread. Don’t forget to have some gluten free options for friends on gluten free diets.
How Long Will a Cheese Ball Last in the Fridge?
If you want to make this Dill Pickle Cheese Ball ahead of time, wrap it in plastic before you roll it in the fresh dill. It will keep for up to a week in the fridge this way.
If you customize by adding other ingredients, the cheese ball will last as long as your most perishable ingredient. Once you serve the cheese ball, it should be entirely eaten and not refrigerated for a second time.
Can You Freeze a Cheese Ball?
Sure you can! To freeze, wrap the ungarnished cheese ball in plastic wrap then place in another container or plastic freezer bag. It will be good frozen for up to a month.
To serve, thaw for an hour or two, then roll in garnish as desired.
Yield: 1 ball
Dill Pickle Cheese Ball
This Dill Pickle Cheese Ball is an easy appetizer that comes together in minutes and contains maximum dill pickle flavour. Dress it up for the holidays or keep it low key for game day. This one’s a winner!
Prep Time15 minutes
Additional Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Ingredients
- 1 8 oz package cream cheese; room temperature
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/3 cup dill pickle relish or finely chopped dill pickles; drained
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh dill
Instructions
- Place cream cheese, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce in the bowl of a stand mixer.
- Dry dill pickles/relish thoroughly with a paper towel. Add to mixer bowl.
- Mix well on low/medium speed. Scrape mixture onto a plate and place in the freezer for 45 minutes.
- Remove from freezer and quickly shape into a ball.
- Smooth the exterior with your fingers and carefully roll in chopped dill. Arrange on plate and enjoy with crackers.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 205Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 424mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 0gSugar: 3gProtein: 4g
Nutritional calculation was provided by Nutritionix and is an estimation only. For special diets or medical issues please use your preferred calculator.
