These Dill Pickle Cheese Balls are the ultimate party snack, combining the creamy richness of cream cheese and cheddar with the tangy crunch of dill pickles. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, tailgate, or simply looking for an easy snack, these cheese balls will be the star of the show!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Savory & Tangy: A perfect balance of creamy cheese and the zesty bite of dill pickles.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes, plus chill time.
- Great for Sharing: These bite-sized balls are perfect for any party, gathering, or as an appetizer.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup finely chopped dill pickles (about 4-5 small pickles)
- 1/4 cup dill pickle juice (for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or breadcrumbs (for rolling)
- Optional: Fresh dill for garnish
Tools You’ll Need:
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Plastic wrap (optional)
- Tray for chilling
How to Make Dill Pickle Cheese Balls:
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped dill pickles, pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and black pepper. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything until well-combined and smooth.
Step 2: Form the Cheese Balls
- Once the mixture is smooth, use your hands to roll the cheese mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You should be able to make around 12-15 cheese balls.
Step 3: Roll in Pecans or Breadcrumbs
- Roll each cheese ball in finely chopped pecans or breadcrumbs to coat the outside. This gives them a nice crunchy texture and flavor.
Step 4: Chill the Cheese Balls
- Place the cheese balls on a tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh dill if desired, then serve chilled with crackers, veggies, or as a stand-alone appetizer.
What to Serve With These Cheese Balls:
- Crackers: A variety of crackers pair well with the creamy cheese balls.
- Vegetables: Serve with crunchy veggies like celery, carrots, or cucumbers for a fresh contrast.
- Dips: They pair wonderfully with ranch or a tangy mustard dip.
Tips for Success:
- Adjust Pickle Flavor: If you love dill pickles, feel free to add more pickle juice or more chopped pickles to the mixture.
- Make Ahead: These cheese balls can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. They hold up well for a couple of days.
- Variety: You can experiment with other types of cheese, like cream cheese and pepper jack, for added spice.
Storing & Reheating:
- Store: Keep the cheese balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze the cheese balls for up to 1 month. Just freeze them in a single layer on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag.
Nutritional Information (per cheese ball) (Approximate):
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 250mg
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Cuisine: American (Appetizer)
These Dill Pickle Cheese Balls are the perfect blend of tangy, cheesy, and crunchy. They’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
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Dill Pickle Cheese Balls
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Description
These Dill Pickle Cheese Balls are the ultimate party snack, combining the creamy richness of cream cheese and cheddar with the tangy crunch of dill pickles. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, tailgate, or simply looking for an easy snack, these cheese balls will be the star of the show!
Hungry for more? Subscribe now and have this recipe sent directly to your inbox—along with exclusive foodie updates!
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup finely chopped dill pickles (about 4–5 small pickles)
- 1/4 cup dill pickle juice (for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or breadcrumbs (for rolling)
- Optional: Fresh dill for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped dill pickles, pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and black pepper. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything until well-combined and smooth.
Step 2: Form the Cheese Balls
- Once the mixture is smooth, use your hands to roll the cheese mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You should be able to make around 12-15 cheese balls.
Step 3: Roll in Pecans or Breadcrumbs
- Roll each cheese ball in finely chopped pecans or breadcrumbs to coat the outside. This gives them a nice crunchy texture and flavor.
Step 4: Chill the Cheese Balls
- Place the cheese balls on a tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh dill if desired, then serve chilled with crackers, veggies, or as a stand-alone appetizer.
Notes
- Adjust Pickle Flavor: If you love dill pickles, feel free to add more pickle juice or more chopped pickles to the mixture.
- Make Ahead: These cheese balls can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. They hold up well for a couple of days.
- Variety: You can experiment with other types of cheese, like cream cheese and pepper jack, for added spice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Cuisine: American
