Pin it
This mouthwatering snack combines zesty dill pickles with smooth, velvety cheese to make an addictive party appetizer that'll have everyone grabbing for 'just another taste.' Every flavor level builds wonderfully, from the velvety inside to the crisp outer layer, making a perfectly balanced starter.
I found that adding a bit of the pickle brine into the mix, not just chopped pickles, spreads that fantastic pickle taste into every single bite.
Complete Ingredients Buying Guide
- Cream cheese: Full-fat only, left out to soften for best mixing
- Cheddar cheese: Go for sharp or extra-sharp, grate it yourself
- Pickles: Grab crisp dill ones, skip the sweet or bread & butter types
- Fresh dill: Pick bunches with bright green, perky stems
- Green onions: Get ones that feel firm with vibrant green tops
- Sesame seeds: Buy them untoasted so you can brown them yourself
Pin it
Easy-to-Follow Preparation Steps
- Making your base:
- Let cream cheese sit at room temp until totally soft. Whip it until silky smooth with zero lumps. Slowly mix in pickle juice to keep the right texture. Blend in sour cream until everything's mixed well. Add salt and pepper bit by bit, tasting as you go.
- Putting in flavorings:
- Chop pickles small and pat them dry. Cut green onions to even bits. Pull dill leaves off stems and chop them up. Mix everything in with gentle folds for even spread. Give it a taste and add more seasonings if needed.
- Getting the shape right:
- Spread plastic wrap on your counter. Drop mixture in the middle. Use the wrap to form a ball shape. Twist the ends tight. Stick it in the fridge until firm.
- Adding the outer layer:
- Brown sesame seeds in a pan. Mix them with chopped cheese and dill. Roll your cold ball in this mix. Press lightly so it sticks. Keep in the fridge until ready to serve.
While testing different cheese balls, I realized that roughly chopping the coating cheese instead of finely shredding it gives a much better look and feel to the finished appetizer.
Getting Temperatures Right
Timing really matters for the best results:
- Allow cream cheese to sit out for 1-2 hours to soften
- Keep the shaped ball in the fridge at least 3 hours
- Take it out 15-20 minutes before guests arrive
- Put leftovers back in the fridge after 2 hours out
Prep-Ahead Options
This snack works great when you're planning ahead:
- Fix the mixture up to 2 days early
- Keep the uncoated ball tightly wrapped
- Save the coating step for just before guests arrive
- Store any leftover coating in a separate container
What to Serve With It
Round out your snack spread with:
- Different crackers (buttery ones, whole wheat, rice crackers)
- Crisp raw veggies for dipping
- Chunks of crusty bread
- Some extra pickles on the side
Pin it
I've made tons of cheese balls over the years, but this dill pickle version stands out with its perfect mix of creamy, tangy and crunchy elements. The way the pickle flavor soaks into the cheese while fresh dill adds brightness makes it so darn good. Whether you're watching the game or throwing a fancy holiday party, this cheese ball shows how the simplest combos often make the most unforgettable snacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How early can I prepare this cheese ball?
- It keeps great if you make it 1-2 days before serving. Letting it sit overnight boosts the flavor.
- → Which pickles are best for this?
- Dill pickles give the best tangy kick, but swap in your favorite kind if preferred!
- → Will freezing work for this cheese ball?
- Technically yes, but freezing changes the texture. Stick to making it fresh for the best taste!
- → What should I pair with this cheese ball?
- Pair with crackers, pretzels, tortilla chips, or fresh veggies like celery and carrot sticks.
- → Can I go with low-fat cream cheese?
- Full-fat is ideal, but you can mix reduced-fat with full-fat. Just make sure it's at least 16-17% fat.