Roasted Garlic and Herb Cheese Ball Recipe

The Perfect Party Pleaser!

Ready to wow your guests with a creamy, flavorful appetizer? This Roasted Garlic and Herb Cheese Ball is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s packed with roasted garlic goodness, fresh herbs, and a creamy blend of cheeses—perfect for any gathering or snack board.

Why I Love This Recipe

Cheese balls bring me back to cozy family gatherings, and this version elevates the classic with roasted garlic and a hint of nuttiness in the coating. It’s easy to make ahead, incredibly versatile, and a total showstopper on any table. Whether you’re serving it with crackers or fresh veggies, it’s a guaranteed hit.

How to Make It

Making this Roasted Garlic and Herb Cheese Ball is a breeze. Here’s an overview of the steps to create this flavorful dish:

1. Roast the Garlic: Start by roasting a head of garlic to bring out its sweet, mellow flavor. Simply slice off the top, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and bake until soft and golden.
2. Mix the Cheese Base: Combine softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, and Parmesan for a rich, creamy base. Add the roasted garlic, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika to give it that extra oomph.
3. Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in freshly chopped parsley and chives to brighten up the flavors and add a pop of color.
4. Shape and Chill: Scoop the mixture onto plastic wrap, shape it into a ball, and let it chill in the fridge. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to coat.
5. Coat and Serve: Roll the chilled cheese ball in a mixture of chopped nuts and fresh parsley for texture and visual appeal. Serve it with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh veggies.

Pro Tips

• Make It Ahead: This cheese ball tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. You can prepare it up to 2 days ahead—just keep it tightly wrapped.
• Custom Coatings: Not a fan of nuts? Try rolling your cheese ball in crushed pretzels, crispy bacon bits, or even everything bagel seasoning for a fun twist.
• Room Temperature Magic: Let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. This softens it just enough to make spreading or dipping easier.
• Mix It Up: Want to experiment? Add finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean flair.

Storage

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap it well to keep it fresh.
• Freeze: Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

Tools For This Recipe

• Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl makes combining ingredients simple and mess-free.
• Plastic Wrap: Essential for shaping and chilling the cheese ball.
• Chef’s Knife: Use a sharp knife for chopping herbs and nuts with precision.
• Baking Sheet: For roasting the garlic, if you don’t wrap it directly in foil.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
You can, but freshly shredded cheese melts and blends better for a smoother texture.

What’s the best way to serve this?
Pair it with crackers, veggie sticks, or even apple slices for a sweet-savory combination.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese alternatives—it’ll still be delicious.