Olive Cheese Ball
A savory Olive Cheese Ball made with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, green olives, walnuts, parsley, and garlic powder. A simple yet elegant appetizer perfect for gatherings.
9 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 9 oz jar green olives , roughly chopped and divided
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped and divided
- 1 cup walnuts finely chopped
- 16 oz two 8 oz packages cream cheese , softened
- 1 1/2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese grated
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the coating mixture
- Finely chop 1/4 cup of the olives and combine with 1 tablespoon of parsley and the walnuts in a medium bowl. Stir until evenly mixed and set aside.
Prepare the cheese mixture
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated cheddar, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
Incorporate olives and parsley
- Add the remaining chopped olives and parsley to the cheese mixture. Stir until evenly distributed.
Shape the cheese ball
- Place the cheese mixture in the center of a piece of plastic wrap. Using the wrap, form it into a ball shape. Chill in the refrigerator for approximately 1 hour, or until firm.
Coat the cheese ball
- Remove from the refrigerator and roll the chilled ball in the reserved olive-walnut mixture until evenly coated.
Chill and serve
- Re-wrap the ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. Unwrap and present with crackers, vegetables, or bread.
Notes
This Olive Cheese Ball can be made gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients, particularly the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and seasonings, are certified gluten-free. Serve with gluten-free crackers or fresh vegetables for a fully gluten-free appetizer.