Dill Pickle Cheese Ball

Cream cheese, dill pickles, Monterey Jack, and fresh dill come together in this easy Dill Pickle Cheese Ball—perfect for parties!

this Recipe

Okay, confession time. I might have an unhealthy obsession with dill pickles. No, really. I’m that person who orders extra pickles on my burger and sneaks forkfuls straight from the jar (anyone else, or is it just me?). So it probably doesn’t surprise you that this Dill Pickle Cheese Ball recipe came out of one of those “there’s gotta be a better way” moments.

It was a couple of summers ago, sweltering hot, and we had family coming over for one of our backyard BBQs. You know the kind—someone inevitably burns the burgers, and there’s an argument about who brought the better potato salad. I wanted to whip up something simple, but it had to be a showstopper. I grabbed what I had: cream cheese, pickles (of course), and a hunk of Monterey Jack that was hiding in the fridge. And that’s when magic happened. This cheese ball hit the table and vanished faster than my cousin’s shady stories about his “mystery job.”

Now? I never show up to a gathering without it. People ask for it by name. “You bringing that pickle thing?” Yup. Every time.

Why You’ll Love This Dill Pickle Cheese Ball Recipe?

You ever make something and think, “Wait, this is way too easy to be this delicious”? Yep. That’s this cheese ball.

• Big pickle flavor (without being over-the-top). It’s balanced—tangy, creamy, and just enough zing to keep things interesting.
• Quick to make. You can throw it together in, like, 10 minutes flat. No stress, no mess. Well…unless you’re like me and always forget where you put the mixing spoon.
• Make ahead? Yes, please. It actually tastes better after chilling for a while because all those flavors have time to get friendly.
• Party-perfect. It’s the thing everyone stands around, nibbling at awkwardly while trying not to be the one who finishes it. (Spoiler: someone always finishes it.)

Ingredient Notes:

Let’s take a second to chat about what goes into this beauty. Nothing fancy, just stuff that works.

• Cream Cheese (8 oz)
  Room temp makes it easier to mix—unless you like an arm workout. I won’t judge.

• Dill Pickles (¾ cup, finely chopped)
  Go for the crunchy ones. And pat them dry! Otherwise, you’ll have a soggy cheese ball, and nobody wants that.

• Worcestershire Sauce (2 tsp)
  Adds a little umami, and makes people go, “What is that flavor?!”

• Garlic Powder (½ tsp)
  Just a hint to round things out. Feel free to add more if you’re a garlic fan (who isn’t?).

• Monterey Jack Cheese (1½ cups, shredded)
  Melty, mild, and totally dreamy. Sharp cheddar works too if you’re feeling bold.

• Fresh Dill (½ cup, chopped)
  Dill on dill? You bet. It makes the outside look all fancy, even if you’re wearing pajamas while making it.

• Crackers for serving
  Or celery. Or pretzels. Or you could just go rogue and eat it with a spoon (no judgment here).

How To Make Dill Pickle Cheese Ball?

I’ll walk you through it like we’re hanging out in the kitchen together, sound good?

Step 1: Mix the Base

Grab a big bowl. Toss in your room temp cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Give it a good mix until it’s nice and smooth. It should look like something you want to spread on a bagel—except we’re going bigger than bagels today.

Step 2: Add the Star Players

Now, add in your finely chopped pickles (don’t skip drying them first!) and the Monterey Jack cheese. Throw in about 2 teaspoons of that chopped dill for good measure. Stir it all up until it looks like something your snack dreams are made of.

Step 3: Form the Ball

Lay out some plastic wrap on the counter. Plop the cheese mixture right in the middle and use the wrap to help shape it into a ball. No perfection needed! Pop it in the fridge for about an hour so it can firm up. You’ve got time for a coffee (or a glass of wine—no judgment).

Step 4: Make It Pretty

Once it’s chilled and holding its shape, roll that baby in the rest of your chopped dill. Look at you, making fancy food.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Unwrap, plop it on a platter, surround it with crackers, and watch it disappear. Seriously, it won’t last long.

Storage Options:

Got leftovers? Probably not. But just in case, wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and stash it in the fridge. It’s good for up to 5 days. I wouldn’t freeze it—cream cheese and freezers are not friends.

Variations and Substitutions:

Feel like mixing it up? Here’s how:

• Nut Coating: Swap dill for chopped pecans or almonds for a different vibe.
• Spicy Version: Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Different Cheese: Try sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a bit more kick.
• Vegan It Up: Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan cheese shreds. Easy peasy.

What to Serve with Dill Pickle Cheese Ball?

You’ve got options, friend.

• Crackers: Classic. Always a hit.
• Veggie Sticks: Carrots, celery, cucumber slices. Fancy it up a bit.
• Pretzels: Crunchy, salty goodness.
• Toasted Baguette Slices: Feeling a little extra? Go for it.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this a day ahead?
Yes! In fact, I recommend it. The flavors get even better overnight.

How long can it stay out at a party?
Two hours is your window. After that, it’s best to pop it back in the fridge.

What if I don’t like pickles?
Gasp! But I get it. Try chopped olives or roasted red peppers instead.

And there you have it—your next party MVP: the Dill Pickle Cheese Ball. If you make it, I need to hear how it went. Snap a pic, send me a DM, or just leave a comment and tell me how fast it disappeared.

Can’t wait to hear what you think!

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

Crispy Cheddar Chicken

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Succulent Slow Cooker Beef Tips in a Flavorful Onion and Mushroom Sauce

Dill Pickle Cheese Ball

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

This amazing Dill Pickle Cheese Ball is more than a dish; it's a journey that tantalizes your taste buds with its perfect combination of creamy and tangy flavors. Picture the velvety texture of cream cheese expertly blended with the refreshing invigorating crunch of chopped dill pickles. Add to that a touch of powder for a kick and the deep flavors of Worcestershire sauce all complemented by the irresistible melt-in-your-mouth goodness of Monterey Jack cheese. This cheese ball, beautifully garnished with dill not only delights your palate but also adds a touch of elegance, to any gathering. It's a creation that guarantees a unique gastronomic experience.

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6 Servings

Ingredients

1x2x3x

• 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
• 3/4 c dill pickles finely chopped (can use dill pickle relish, drained)
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 1/2 c Monterey Jack cheese grated
• 1/2 c fresh dill finely chopped
• Crackers for serving

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Instructions

 

1. In a mixing bowl combine cream cheese at room temperature, with garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce until it becomes a smooth mixture.
2. Pat dry the chopped pickles or relish using a paper towel then add them to the bowl along, with Monterey Jack cheese and 2 teaspoons of dill. Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Take a piece of plastic wrap. Lay it out. Place the cheese mixture on it. Shape it into a ball. Let it chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour to firm up.
4. Properly chilled roll the cheese ball in the remaining chopped dill to coat it evenly.
5. Serve alongside crackers and enjoy this treat!

Notes

Turning this Dill Pickle Cheese Ball into a treat is surprisingly easy but has a significant impact. The key is, in the choice of accompaniments. While the cheese ball itself's gluten-free traditional crackers often contain gluten. So what's the solution? Opt for gluten-free crackers that you can easily find at most grocery stores. These crackers come in flavors and textures so you won't miss out on that satisfying crunch. Alternatively for a twist serve the cheese ball with an assortment of sliced vegetables such as cucumbers, bell peppers and carrots. Not only will they provide a crunch. They'll also add pops of color and nutrition to your plate.

Audrey

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Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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