Description
Polish comfort meets cheese magic in this dill pickle cheddar delight recipe, blending tangy pickles with sharp cheddar for a distinctive snack. Crisp textures and bold flavors invite you to savor each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz (454 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) chopped dill pickles
- 4 tbsps (60 ml) sour cream
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) fresh chopped dill
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh chopped dill
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Blend Base: Whip cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper using a hand mixer until achieving a smooth, light texture for approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Enhance Mixture: Fold shredded cheddar, chopped pickles, and minced dill into the cream cheese base, ensuring even distribution and consistent flavor throughout.
- Shape Formation: Position intersecting plastic wrap strips on a flat surface, transfer cheese mixture to the center, then gather and twist wrap edges to mold the mixture into a compact, spherical shape.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate the wrapped cheese ball for 2-24 hours, allowing flavors to intensify and texture to solidify completely.
- Create Coating: Spread additional cheddar, chopped dill, and lemon zest across a clean surface for exterior garnishing.
- Final Preparation: Unwrap chilled cheese ball and roll gently through prepared coating, ensuring complete and even coverage of toppings.
- Serve Beautifully: Place finished cheese ball on an elegant platter, surrounding with crisp crackers or artisan bread slices for an inviting presentation.
Notes
- Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 2 hours to allow ingredients to meld and develop a more intense, harmonious taste profile.
- Texture Matters: Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother blending and easier mixing, preventing lumps and ensuring a silky-smooth consistency.
- Coating Technique: Gently press additional toppings onto the cheese ball to create a uniform, attractive exterior that sticks well and looks professionally finished.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cheese ball up to 24 hours in advance, making it perfect for stress-free party planning and allowing flavors to intensify overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 182
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 442 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 47 mg