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Creamy Herb and Garlic Cheese Ball Bites

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These creamy, bite-sized cheese balls are packed with tangy cream cheese, roasted garlic, and fresh herbs, then marinated in olive oil for extra flavor. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or snacking, they’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 2 cloves garlic, roasted and mashed (or minced raw)
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives (or green onion tops)
  • 1 tsp chopped fresh dill (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, finely sliced
  • 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme (or rosemary)
  • Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped toasted nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds; optional for nut-free)
  • 2 tbsp extra chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, dill)
  • Cracked black pepper (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Place unpeeled garlic cloves on a small baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 15-20 minutes until soft and golden. Let cool, then squeeze out and mash.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and sour cream. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
  3. Stir in mashed roasted garlic, parsley, chives, dill, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.
  4. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) to firm up.
  5. Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion mixture and roll into 1-inch balls. You should get 16-20 balls.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, sliced garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes for the marinade.
  7. On a plate, mix toasted nuts with extra fresh herbs and cracked pepper. Roll each cheese ball until coated.
  8. Place balls on a tray and drizzle with marinade. Let sit at least 15 minutes before serving (up to 1 hour for deeper flavor).
  9. Arrange cheese ball bites on a platter, spoon extra marinade over the top, and garnish with fresh herbs or black pepper. Serve with crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies.

Notes

Chilling the cheese mixture is key for easy rolling and best flavor. Roasted garlic adds depth, but raw can be used in a pinch. For nut-free, roll in extra herbs or seeds. Prep marinade while cheese chills for efficiency. Cheese balls can be made ahead and stored up to 4 days in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheese ball bites, party appetizer, creamy cheese balls, garlic herb cheese balls, easy snack, holiday appetizer, gluten-free, vegetarian

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/creamy-herb-and-garlic-cheese-ball-bites-easy-party-appetizer-recipe/