Get Your Snack Game On! Try Our Vegetable Cheese Ball Recipe with a Secret Ingredient
This Vegetable Cheese Ball Recipe is perfect for anyone who loves snacking on fresh garden veggies and tasty cheese. Want to know the secret ingredient that takes this recipe to the next level?
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The dish dates back to ancient Roman times, where cheese was often served alone or with other simple ingredients. However, it wasn’t until the Middle Ages that cheese became widely used in recipes such as the Garden-Fresh Vegetable Cheese Balls for Snacking.
Today, this tasty appetizer recipe is extremely popular and enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s perfect for any occasion – be it a family gathering, a party with friends, or a solo snacking session.
The recipe is easy to make, and the fresh garden-fresh vegetables add a crunchy texture to the soft cheese mixture, making it an irresistible treat! You can also personalize your cheese ball by choosing between pecans or walnuts. The nuts add an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
So next time you’re in the mood for a savory snack, try out our Garden-Fresh Vegetable Cheese Balls for Snacking recipe. You won’t regret it!
Ask the Chef: Pro Tips for making Garden-Fresh Vegetable Cheese Balls for Snacking
Fresh Veggies are Key
Be sure to use fresh, crisp ingredients for the best flavor. If you prefer, you can switch up the veggies to your liking. Try adding some grated zucchini or chopped spinach for extra greens.
Room Temperature Cheese
When using cream cheese, make sure it’s a room temperature to make it easier to work with. This will ensure that the cheese is evenly mixed and won’t clump together.
Chill the Mixture
Chilling the mixture is important for two reasons: it makes it easier to shape it into a ball, and it helps the flavors meld together. If you skip this step, the mixture will be too soft and difficult to work with.
Coating the Cheese Ball
Rolling the cheese ball in chopped nuts is an optional step, but it adds an extra layer of flavor and texture. Walnuts or pecans are great choices, but you can also use toasted sesame seeds or dried herbs.
Serve with Fresh Snacks
The cheese ball pairs well with crackers, crunchy vegetables like celery sticks or carrot sticks, or even slices of fresh fruit. Feel free to experiment and try dipping it in your favorite sauce to make it more exciting.
Make Ahead of Time
You can make the cheese ball up to a day in advance and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
Small Balls = Party Appetizers
If you want to serve the cheese ball as bite-sized appetizers, divide the mixture into smaller balls instead of one large one. You can even use a mini ice cream scoop or melon baller to make perfectly sized balls.
How Many Calories are in Garden-Fresh Vegetable Cheese Balls for Snacking?
Nutrition Facts
10 Servings per Recipe
Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 7g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Total Sugars: 4g
- Added Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 7g
What Drinks Pair Best with Garden-Fresh Vegetable Cheese Ball for Snacking?
Wine pairing: A crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc would be a great pairing for this vegetable cheese ball recipe. Its citrusy and herbal notes would complement the fresh herbs and vegetables used in the recipe.
Beer pairing: A Belgian-style saison would be a great beer pairing for this Vegetable Cheese Ball. The beer’s effervescence will help cleanse the palate and cut through the creaminess of the cheese ball while its subtle spiciness and fruitiness will enhance the dish’s vegetable flavors.
Cocktail pairing: A suitable cocktail pairing for the Vegetable Cheese Ball Recipe could be a refreshing gin and tonic garnished with a slice of cucumber to complement the garden-fresh flavors of the snack.
How to Make Garden-Fresh Vegetable Cheese Balls for Snacking
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh chives
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Mix shredded carrots, finely chopped red bell pepper, finely chopped yellow onion, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh chives, feta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Mix all the ingredients until evenly combined.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Shape the chilled mixture into a cheese ball.
- Roll the cheese ball in finely chopped pecans or walnuts until completely coated (optional).
- Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Serve cold with crackers, vegetables, or any garden-fresh snacks of your preference.
