A Pistachio Honey Cheese Ball & A Dilly Cheese Ball
Not one but two recipes for what may be a game changer to your cheese boards! For the sweet & salty fans I've got a pistachio with drizzled honey cheese ball for you. For the more fresh and herby fans it's DILL baby! And of course some chives for an even brighter bite.
I did a huge grazing table for a wedding and it was this event that inspired these recipes. I wanted to serve something that was different than all the normal cheese options you see on these spreads. I've seen cheese balls done before but they were all these tiny little golf ball sized balls that seemed like a lot of extra work and maybe not as fun. I thought of doing 1 large ball where everyone could all just scoop off and slather it on some crackers and enjoy.
Pistachio and honey seemed like a no brainer. Everyone loves pistachios and these seemed event worthy. Also drizzling that honey gave the guest something playful to do. The herby ball I knew I had to do a dill option because it seemed so on brand for me (ha!). Guess what!? This dill was the crowds favorite at the wedding! How fun! So let's get into how you can make them for you and your guests!
Pistachio & Honey
Ingredients
8-10 oz plain goat cheese log, logs oz may differ *room temp
5-6 oz plain cream cheese *room temp
1 cup crushed pistachio nuts
1 tablespoon honey, plus more to serve on the side
pinch of salt
crackers of your choice
Directions
1. Combine the goat cheese and cream cheese into a mixer if you have one, otherwise a large bowl. Mix till they are smooth. Add in half the chopped pistachios and the pinch of salt. Mix until nuts are evenly distributed.
2. Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap and scoop the mixture into the center of the wrap. Pull up the corners & sides of the plastic wrap and begin twisting and forming your cheese mixture in to a ball. Once you have your desired shape, place into the fridge for at least 15 mins to allow the balls to firm up and hold their shape. You can do this step a day ahead!
3. Remove the chilled cheese ball and set it on a work surface such as a plate. It helps to have a piece of wax paper or plastic wrap under the ball to make transferring easier. Sprinkle & push the remainder of the pistachio nuts all around the ball covering the entire surface.
4. To serve, place on your desired platter or board and drizzle honey all over. Place a bowl of honey with a spoon or dipper next to the cheese ball. Pair with your favorite crackers.
Whipped Dill Cheese Ball
Ingredients
8-10 oz plain goat cheese log, logs ox may differ *room temp
5-6 oz plain cream cheese *room temp
1/2 cup chopped dill
1/4 cup chopped chives
salt & pepper
Directions
1. Combine the goat cheese and cream cheese into a mixer if you have one, otherwise a large bowl. Mix till they are smooth. Add in half the chopped chives & dill, salt & pepper. Mix until herbs are evenly distributed.
2. Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap and scoop of the mixture into the center of the wrap. Pull up the corners & sides of the plastic wrap and begin twisting and forming your cheese mixture in to a ball. Once you have your desire shape place into the fridge for at least 15 mins to allow the balls to firm up and hold their shape. You can do this step a day ahead!
3. Remove the chilled cheese ball and set it on a work surface such as a plate. It helps to have a piece of wax paper or plastic wrap under the ball to make transferring easier. Sprinkle & push the remainder chopped chives and dill (mix them if you haven’t already) all around the ball covering the entire surface.
4. To serve, place on your desired platter or board. Pair with your favorite crackers! Yum!
The first time I shared these with my friends they were seriously eating the cheese mixture on its own! Without the crackers, ha! They loved it. It was a huge hit at the wedding. I over heard people pointing to their partners and saying "get more of that, it is so good!" These would easily serve a party of 6-10. It is such an easy recipe to double or halve for your larger or smaller gatherings. They are both delicious and you should absolutely make them! Oh and! If you have left overs simply schmear on toasted bagels in the morning or on a burger for lunch. Make them and report back to me!! I need to hear all your stories.
-Emily