Pistachio Lemon Cheese Balls
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
22 cheese balls
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Calories
62 kcal
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Course
Appetizer
Pistachio Lemon Cheese Balls
Description
This recipe blends room-temperature cream cheese and goat cheese with fresh chopped basil, very finely minced garlic, and fresh Meyer lemon zest for brightness. After seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, the mixture is chilled to firm up.
The cheese is then shaped into balls around pimiento-stuffed green olives, completely enclosing them. The balls are rolled in chopped toasted pistachios to add texture and a nutty finish. A chilled resting period of at least two hours allows flavors to meld and improves the firmness for serving.
These cheese balls are served at room temperature for about ten minutes to soften slightly, making them creamy and flavorful on the palate. They are conveniently served with toothpicks, making them easy to enjoy as finger food at gatherings.
Ingredients
- 6 oz cream cheese ,at room temperature
- 4 oz goat cheese ,at room temperature
- ¼ cup basil chopped, fresh leaves
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic very finely minced
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest fresh Meyer
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 22 green olives rinsed and patted dry, pimiento stuffed; e.g. Manzanilla
- 1/2 cup pistachio chopped, toasted
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine all of the ingredients except for the olives and pistachios. Chill the mixture for 30 minutes until firm.
- Form the mixture into 22 balls. Press the olives into the center of the cheese balls and form them back into balls, completely encasing them in the cheese mixture. Roll the balls in the toasted pistachios to lightly coat them. Chill for at least 2 hours.
- Let the cheese balls sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. Serve with toothpicks
- Makes 22 olive cheese balls
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 22cheese balls
Amount Per Serving
Calories 62 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 62kcal | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 10mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 132mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 41mg | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 200IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 0.5mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 21mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.3mg | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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