This garlic cheese ball combines tangy cream cheese, nutty Parmesan, and your choice of powdered or fresh garlic. For a showstopping finish, dress it up with chopped walnuts, herbs or cracker crumbs, then serve it with fresh veggies and crackers for a winning snack spread.
Ingredients
11 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or 1/2 to 1 teaspoon minced garlic
3/4 cup chopped walnuts, optional
Assorted fresh vegetables and/or crackers
Instructions
1Mix the ingredients
2In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until fluffy. Mix in the grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, oregano and garlic (either garlic powder or minced fresh garlic) until everything is well combined.
3Shape the ball and garnish
4Using your hands or a spatula, shape the mixture into a ball. If desired, roll the cheese ball in chopped walnuts. Editor’s Tip: If the cheese mixture feels too sticky to shape, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. It will firm up, making it much easier to roll into a ball and coat with nuts.
5Chill the cheese ball, then serve
6Wrap the cheese ball tightly in storage wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours. Serve the cheese ball with assorted fresh vegetables and crackers for dipping. Editor’s Tip: Let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
