🍽️Appetizer

Herbed Cheese and Olive Party Balls

Name: Herbed Cheese and Olive Party Balls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: 300 g cream cheese, softened; 300 g feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened; 2/3 cup black olives, pitted and finely chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as chives or green onion), finely chopped; 1/3 cup walnuts or almonds, finely chopped; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional); Salted crackers, chopped apple, and toasted bread, for serving

"Elevate your appetizer game with these sophisticated, bite-sized explosions of Mediterranean flavor wrapped in a delightful nutty crunch."

Prep:20 min

Cook:45 min

LevelMedium

Analyzing...

● Ingredients

300 g cream cheese, softened
300 g feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
2/3 cup black olives, pitted and finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as chives or green onion), finely chopped
1/3 cup walnuts or almonds, finely chopped
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Salted crackers, chopped apple, and toasted bread, for serving

🌱 Vegetarian🌱 Keto-Friendly🌱 Low-Carb🌱 Gluten-Free Option⚡ Medium

❤️Health32%

😋Taste89%

🥳Joy92%

👨‍🍳Difficulty35/100

📜 The Story

The concept of the festive cheese ball gained massive popularity in mid-century American social circles, originally appearing as a centerpiece for formal cocktail parties. This iteration draws inspiration from Mediterranean mezze platters, substituting traditional cheddar for the sharp, briny profile of Greek feta and cured olives.

🧬 Flavor DNA

🍋Sour

5/10

🧂Salty

8/10

🌶️Spicy

1/10

🍯Sweet

2/10

🍄umami

6/10

☕Bitter

2/10

✨ Sensory Profile

"A velvety, cream-forward base yields to the sharp, saline pop of finely diced olives, finished with a rustic, earthy crunch from the toasted nut exterior. The aroma is dominated by fresh, grassy chives and the rich, buttery scent of whipped dairy."

Chef's Mastery

💡

The Secret

Toast the chopped walnuts or almonds in a dry skillet for 3-5 minutes before coating; the heat releases essential oils that dramatically improve the aroma and provide a crisper contrast to the soft cheese.

⚠️

Avoid This

Skipping the refrigeration step or rolling the balls too early. If the mixture isn't firm, the balls will flatten into discs under their own weight and the nuts won't adhere cleanly.

❄️

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, roll in the nuts just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Instructions

Place the cream cheese, feta, and softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Let them come fully to room temperature, then mix on low speed until smooth, creamy, and well combined.

Gently fold in the chopped olives and fresh herbs until evenly distributed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours, to firm up and develop flavor.

Using lightly greased hands, portion the chilled mixture and roll into small, bite-sized balls. Arrange on a tray, cover, and keep refrigerated until serving time.

Just before serving, roll each cheese ball in the chopped walnuts or almonds until evenly coated. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes for the best texture and flavor.

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve with crackers, apple pieces, and toasted bread.