Cheese Ball with Pesto
Elevate your appetizer game with this irresistible Cheese Ball with Pesto recipe, the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and nutty flavors. Featuring a luscious mixture of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, this crowd-pleaser is infused with vibrant pesto and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired twist. Rolled in a crunchy coating of chopped walnuts or pecans, this no-cook recipe is as easy to prepare as it is impressive. Ready in just 20 minutes with a chill time that enhances its firm, sliceable texture, this cheese ball is ideal for parties, holiday gatherings, or as a stunning centerpiece on your appetizer spread. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with an assortment of crackers, bread, or veggies for an elegant dish that will have everyone coming back for more!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 oz Cream cheese
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Pesto
- 1 cup Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
- 0.25 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 1 cup Chopped walnuts (or pecans)
- 2 tbsp Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- 1 package Crackers or bread (for serving)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Mix well until smooth and fully blended.
Add the pesto, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, salt, and black pepper to the cheese mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Cover your hands with a light coating of plastic wrap or gloves to shape the mixture. Roll the combined mixture into a ball shape, compacting it gently with your palms to ensure it holds its form.
Place the chopped walnuts (or pecans) in a shallow dish or on a cutting board. Roll the cheese ball in the chopped nuts, pressing lightly to make sure the nuts adhere to the surface evenly.
Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
Before serving, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly.
Garnish the top of the cheese ball with fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of color and flavor.
Serve the cheese ball on a platter with crackers, toasted bread, or sliced vegetables for dipping.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5233 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 369.7 g | 474% | |
| Saturated Fat | 110.2 g | 551% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 449 mg | 150% | |
| Sodium | 8405 mg | 365% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 357.2 g | 130% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 35.9 g | 128% | |
| Total Sugars | 108.0 g | ||
| Protein | 164.0 g | 328% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2922 mg | 225% | |
| Iron | 23.5 mg | 131% | |
| Potassium | 8866 mg | 189% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
