Pesto Cheese Ball Party Perfect
Elevate your next gathering with the showstopping "Pesto Cheese Ball Party Perfect," an irresistibly creamy and flavorful appetizer that's guaranteed to be a hit. This no-cook recipe combines tangy cream cheese, zesty basil pesto, shredded mozzarella, and a hint of Parmesan for a rich and savory base, all wrapped in a crunchy coating of chopped walnuts or pecans. With just 15 minutes of prep time, it's the ultimate make-ahead dish that can be chilled until ready to serve. Whether paired with crisp crackers or fresh veggie sticks, this cheese ball offers the perfect balance of creamy, nutty, and herbaceous flavors. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an extra touch of elegance, and let your guests savor a timeless party favorite that’s as easy to make as it is to eat. Keywords: pesto cheese ball, easy party appetizer, make-ahead appetizer, cream cheese dip, holiday appetizer ideas.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz Cream cheese
- 1 cup Store-bought or homemade basil pesto
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1.5 cups Chopped walnuts or pecans
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- to taste Crackers or vegetable sticks (for serving)
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, pesto, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until well blended. You can use a hand mixer to make this process easier.
2. Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour, or until it's firm enough to shape.
3. Once firm, scoop out the mixture and shape it into a ball using your hands. If the mixture is too sticky, you can wear gloves or lightly coat your hands with oil.
4. Roll the cheese ball in the chopped walnuts or pecans, pressing gently to ensure the nuts stick evenly to the surface.
5. Place the cheese ball on a serving plate and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
6. Serve immediately with crackers or vegetable sticks, or refrigerate until ready to serve. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for optimal spreadability.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4354 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 408.5 g | 524% | |
| Saturated Fat | 141.6 g | 708% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 598 mg | 199% | |
| Sodium | 4456 mg | 194% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 88.5 g | 32% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.9 g | 60% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.9 g | ||
| Protein | 119.6 g | 239% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2204 mg | 170% | |
| Iron | 12.8 mg | 71% | |
| Potassium | 1768 mg | 38% | |
*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.
