Take Your Snack Table to the Next Level with Our Savory Garlic and Herb Cheese Ball!
This Savory Garlic and Herb Cheese Ball Recipe is a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to elevate any snack table. With a mix of bold spices and creamy cheese, it’s the perfect balance of flavor. Want to know the secret ingredient that takes it to the next level? Keep reading to find out.
Table of Contents
The Historical Background of Garlic Herb Cheese Ball
Cheese balls have been a party staple since the 1940s, and this Garlic Herb Cheese Ball recipe is the perfect heirloom to add to your appetizer table. By combining cream cheese, butter, and a variety of dried herbs, this appetizer packs a flavorful punch that your guests will love.
Once upon a time, the cheese ball was exclusive to fancy dinner parties and cocktail hours. However, as modern kitchens and entertaining styles evolved, this simple yet impressive dish quickly became a popular snack for any occasion. The beauty of the cheese ball is its versatility: you can switch up the ingredients to fit any palate or theme.
In this recipe, the addition of garlic, onion powder, and black pepper give this appetizer a savory bite to balance the creaminess of the cheese. Using a variety of dried herbs like parsley, oregano, and thyme adds depth to the flavor profile and elevates this cheese ball beyond basic appetizers.
The great thing about Garlic Herb Cheese Ball is that it’s a recipe that can be passed down from one generation to the next. Whether you’re hosting a fancy cocktail party or just want a delicious snack for movie night, this recipe is sure to please. Serve with crackers or toasted bread, and enjoy the flavors of the past with a modern twist.
Ask the Chef: Pro Tips for making Garlic Herb Cheese Ball
Don’t Over-Mix the Cheese Ball
Over-mixing the cheese ball can lead to a runny or soft texture that won’t hold its shape well. A soft but solid texture is ideal, so be mindful of mixing time.
Create Your Own Flavor
You can add other ingredients to your recipe to create your own flavor. For example, adding sun-dried tomatoes or roasted garlic will add more flavor and depth.
Use Fresh Herbs
If you have fresh herbs available, you can substitute dried herbs with fresh ones for an even better flavor. Use about 3 times as many fresh herbs as dried herbs called for in the recipe.
Experiment with Coating
You can customize your cheese ball by adding your choice of coating. Chopped nuts, bacon, and herbs are some popular options, but you can also use shredded cheese, chopped dried fruit, or even edible flowers.
Chill it enough
Chilling the cheese ball for at least an hour is essential for firming it up so that it can hold its shape and be easily coated. It’s best to leave it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight for optimal results.
Bring to Room Temperature
Before serving, remove the cheese ball from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to soften slightly, so it is easier to spread and enjoy.
Store Cheeseball Properly
Store leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. But, do not add coatings before storing, add them just before serving for best results.
How Many Calories are in Garlic Herb Cheese Ball?
Nutrition Facts
8 Servings per Recipe
Calories: 190
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 210mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 1g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: 0g
- Added Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 2g
What Drinks Pair Best with Garlic Herb Cheese Ball?
Wine pairing: This Savory Garlic and Herb Cheese Ball pairs well with a light, fruity red wine such as Pinot Noir.
Beer pairing: A Belgian Dubbel or a Brown Ale will pair well with this savory cheese ball due to the nutty and caramel notes in the beer that will complement the flavors of the herbs and butter in the recipe.
Cocktail pairing: Cocktail pairing: A classic martini made with gin and dry vermouth would perfectly complement the savory flavors of the garlic and herb cheese ball. The slightly herbal and crisp flavors of the martini would cut through the richness of the cheese ball, making for a delicious pairing.
How to Make Garlic Herb Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Let cream cheese and unsalted butter soften at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly with a hand mixer or a stand mixer, making sure there are no lumps and everything is well combined.
- Once the mixture is smooth, use a spatula to scrape it out onto a big piece of plastic wrap.
- Form it into a ball, making sure there aren’t any air pockets.
- Wrap it tightly with the plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or until it becomes firm.
- After the cheese ball is cooled and firm, roll it in chopped nuts, bacon, herbs, or any other preferred coating.
- Serve the cheese ball with crackers or toasted bread and enjoy!
