Antipasto Cheese Ball
User Reviews
5
Antipasto Cheese Ball
Description
The recipe creates a savory cheese ball starting with softened cream cheese mixed thoroughly with chopped sun-dried tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, chopped salami pieces, chopped chives and parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. After mixing, the cheese mixture is shaped into a ball using plastic wrap to assist in molding and chilled to firm up. Once cold, the ball is decorated by pressing halved mixed olives and sun-dried tomatoes onto the surface, which have been patted dry for better adhesion. Brushing with sun-dried tomato oil can enhance flavor further.
The final cheese ball presents a rich, creamy inside with a colorful, textured exterior. It pairs well with crackers and thin slices of cured meats like salami and prosciutto for serving at gatherings or as a flavorful snack. The contrasting textures and savory ingredients combine for an appealing appetizer option.
Ingredients
For The Dip:
- 24 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- ½ cup bell pepper diced, red
- 3.5 ounces salami chopped, chopped pieces
- ¼ cup chives chopped
- ¼ cup parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 pinch salt to taste, if desired
For The Decorations:
- 2 cups mixed olives halved lengthways, I use a variety of black, green and Kalamata olives - dried with paper towel, pitted
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped, dried with paper towel
- 1 handful Ritz crackers water crackers or pretzels for serving
- 1 handful salami slices, for serving
- 1 handful prosciutto slices, for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl combine all the ingredients for the dip and mix until the ingredients are well combined.
- Place a piece of non-stick plastic wrap on a clean bench top or work surface. Scoop the cream cheese mixture out onto the plastic wrap and completely cover with another piece of wrap.
- Use your hands to mould the cream cheese mixture into a ball. Carefully pick up the cheese ball with one hand and peel off the plastic wrap on the bottom of the ball with your other hand. Place the ball straight onto a serving plate.
- Decorate: dry each olive and sun dried tomato piece on a sheet of paper towel to soak up the oil before placing them on the cheese ball so they adhere better.
- Lightly press them into the cream cheese to ensure they stay on. Brush with some sun dried tomato oil from the jar (optional but adds even more flavour)!
- Serve with crackers of your choice, salami and prosciutto slices rolled up!ENJOY!
Notes
- Chilling the cheese ball before decorating makes it easier to shape and helps the decorations stick better.
- Use paper towels to dry the olives and sun-dried tomatoes before pressing them on to reduce excess moisture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 14people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 134 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 134kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0.001g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 12mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 818mg | 34% |
| Potassium | 469mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 458IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 195mg | 20% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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