This Herb Goat Cheese Ball Recipe is Bursting with Spring Flavor

Spring Cheese Ball Recipe
iStock/StephanieFrey

For an easy fix for a last-minute party appetizer or a fuss-free, filling side dish solution, turn to this spring herb cheese ball recipe.

Fresh herbs are whipped into a mixture of cream cheese and goat cheese, shaped into a ball, and served on a plate aside your favorite chips, crackers, or fruit slices for non-stop munching.

Cheese balls are lifesavers if you’re pressed with time or skimping on creativity prior to entertaining guests or showing up prepared to a party. They look gourmet and sophisticated, belying their simplicity.

This cheese ball recipe invites the lightness of the spring season with aromatic herbs, such as chives, basil, and parsley, but also packs a punch with pepper and garlic. Cheese lovers will rejoice, and you’ll rest happy knowing you kept your little secret safe with you (and me): you barely lifted a finger.

This recipe instructs you to make one singular ball, but if it suits your fancy, form a bunch of smaller-sized balls instead. If you seek more texture in the mix, try throwing in two tablespoons of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pistachios. Basil is the dominant herb in this recipe, so also feel free to swap it with fresh mint if you’d prefer a different strong flavor. Regardless of how you tweak it, this cheese ball recipe wins.

Spring Herb Cheese Ball Recipe

Serves a small crowd

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 8-ounce packaged cream cheese, softened
  • 4 ounces goat cheese
  • ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • 4 to 6 un-sulfured dried apricots, chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Directions

In a wide, shallow bowl, combine one tablespoon of the chives with one tablespoon of the basil and one tablespoon of the parsley.

In a medium bowl, beat together the cheese cheese and goat cheese until smooth. Add in the remaining chives, basil and parsley as well as the sun-dried tomatoes, apricots, pepper, salt, and garlic.

Use clean hands to for the cheese mixture into a ball and roll the ball in the herb blend, coating the ball completely. Wrap the ball in plastic wrap and set it in the refrigerator for at least three hours before serving. To serve, place the cheese ball at the center of a dish and surround it with crackers for dipping.

Related on EcoSalon
Celebrate Summer with Cheese
Cucumber Sandwiches with Vegan Cheese and Fresh Mint
Is All French Cheese Organic?