Description
This Carrot Cheese Ball is a festive and fun appetizer that’s perfect for Easter or any spring celebration! With its vibrant carrot shape, creamy cheese filling, and tangy flavor, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Coated in shredded cheddar cheese and garnished with fresh parsley, this easy-to-make cheese ball is a delightful addition to your holiday table, perfect for pairing with crackers, vegetables, or baguette slices.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
- 8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh parsley sprigs (for garnish)
- Crackers (for serving)
Instructions
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Prepare the cheese mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, dried oregano, dried parsley, Tabasco sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Use a hand mixer to blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
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Shape the cheese ball:
- Transfer the cheese mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Mold it into a carrot shape, pressing to ensure it’s compact and holds together.
- Wrap the shaped cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
-
Coat and garnish:
- Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator. Place the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on a serving platter.
- Unwrap the cheese ball and gently roll it in the shredded cheddar, pressing lightly to adhere the cheese to the surface.
- Garnish the top with fresh parsley sprigs to resemble carrot greens.
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Serve:
- Arrange the carrot cheese ball on a serving board surrounded by crackers and serve immediately.
Notes
- Spicy Variations: Adjust the amount of Tabasco sauce to your preferred spice level, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Cheese Options: For a different flavor, you can mix in other cheeses such as Monterey Jack or use cream cheese with herbs.
- Add-ins: Finely chopped green onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños can be added for extra texture and flavor.
- Storage: Store the cheese ball in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: The cheese ball can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Party Food, Easter
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
