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Sun-Dried Tomato Cheese Ball

Sun-Dried Tomato Cheese Ball recipe image
This Sun-Dried Tomato Cheese Ball is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that balances creamy richness with tangy, sun-dried tomato depth. Made with a base of cream cheese and butter, it is infused with freshly grated Parmesan and a touch of olive oil for smooth texture. The result is a flavorful, easy-to-make centerpiece for any charcuterie board. It pairs perfectly with crisp crackers or sliced baguette. Ideal for holiday gatherings, game day snacks, or quick weeknight hors d'oeuvres, this dish brings homemade elegance to your table without complicated steps. Serve chilled for the best texture.
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 12
Calories: 27.0
Dietary: Gluten-free, Vegetarian
Description
This Sun-Dried Tomato Cheese Ball is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that balances creamy richness with tangy, sun-dried tomato depth. Made with a base of cream cheese and butter, it is infused with freshly grated Parmesan and a touch of olive oil for smooth texture. The result is a flavorful, easy-to-make centerpiece for any charcuterie board. It pairs perfectly with crisp crackers or sliced baguette. Ideal for holiday gatherings, game day snacks, or quick weeknight hors d'oeuvres, this dish brings homemade elegance to your table without complicated steps. Serve chilled for the best texture.
Ingredients
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 oz sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • 1 bunch fresh basil leaves
  • 1 batch crackers, for serving
Directions
  1. 1
    Bring a small pot of water to a boil.
  2. 2
    Submerge sun-dried tomatoes in the boiling water for 3 minutes to soften and reconstitute.
  3. 3
    Remove tomatoes from water, drain well, and pat dry with paper towels.
  4. 4
    Reserve 4 tomato pieces and cut them into thin strips for garnish; finely chop the remaining tomatoes.
  5. 5
    In a food processor, combine cream cheese, softened butter, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
  6. 6
    Process the mixture until completely smooth and well-blended.
  7. 7
    Transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes, or until firm enough to shape.
  8. 8
    Remove from refrigerator and shape the mixture into a ball with clean hands.
  9. 9
    Place the cheese ball on a serving platter.
  10. 10
    Arrange fresh basil leaves and reserved tomato strips around the cheese ball in a decorative sunburst pattern.
  11. 11
    Serve with crackers.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 12

Amount Per Serving
Calories 27.0kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.3g1%
Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 7.5mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 5.8g2%
Dietary Fiber 1.8g8%
Sugars 3.9g
Protein 1.4g3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

If using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drain and pat them very dry to prevent the cheese ball from becoming too loose.

For a stronger flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or red pepper flakes to the mixture.

The cheese ball can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Keep covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Ensure cream cheese and butter are fully softened at room temperature before mixing for the smoothest texture.

Keywords: appetizer, cheese ball, sun-dried tomato, cream cheese, parmesan, italian, party food, hors d'oeuvres, easy recipe, snack, entertaining, charcuterie, basil
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/sun-dried-tomato-cheese-ball-2/