Dill Pickle Cheese Ball

If you’re a pickle lover, this Dill Pickle Cheese Ball will become your new favorite party appetizer. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with the bright flavor of dill pickles.

The texture and taste make it the perfect complement to crackers, veggies, or even pretzels. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this cheese ball is a quick and impressive dish to whip up for gatherings, potlucks, or game days.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Spatula or spoon
• Plastic wrap
• Cutting board and knife

Ingredients Overview

• Cream cheese: The creamy base that holds everything together.
• Shredded cheese: Adds extra flavor and structure; cheddar is classic, but feel free to use your favorite.
• Dill pickles: Chopped pickles bring tanginess and crunch.
• Pickle juice: Enhances the dill flavor and helps bind the mixture.
• Fresh dill: Boosts the pickle flavor and adds a pop of color.

Ingredients

• 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (mild or sharp)
• 3/4 cup chopped dill pickles (plus extra for garnish, if desired)
• 2 tablespoons pickle juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Combine the cheeses:
   In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined and creamy.
2. Add flavorings:
   Stir in the chopped dill pickles, pickle juice, fresh dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
3. Form the cheese ball:
   Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Gather the edges of the wrap and shape the cheese into a ball. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to firm up.
4. Garnish (optional):
   If you like, roll the chilled cheese ball in additional chopped pickles, fresh dill, or even crushed crackers for extra texture.
5. Serve:
   Place the cheese ball on a serving platter. Serve with crackers, sliced vegetables, or pretzels.

Prep Time

15 minutes (plus 1 hour of chilling)

Total Time

1 hour 15 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, 10 servings)

• Calories: 230
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g

Expert Tips

• Soften the cream cheese: Ensuring the cream cheese is at room temperature makes it easier to mix everything together.
• Taste and adjust: Feel free to add more pickle juice if you want a stronger tang or extra fresh dill if you love that bright, herbaceous flavor.
• Texture boost: For an extra crunch, stir in chopped nuts or crispy bacon bits.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can, but the cheese ball may be a bit softer and less rich.

How long can I store the cheese ball in the fridge?
It will keep well for about 3–4 days in an airtight container.

What other cheeses can I use?
Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella all work well with dill pickle flavors.

Storing & Reheating

• Storing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: This cheese ball is served cold, so no reheating is needed.

Substitutions & Variations

• Dill relish: Use dill pickle relish instead of chopped pickles for an even consistency.
• Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for some heat.
• Herb mix: Combine dill with parsley or chives for a more complex herbal flavor.

Dill Pickle Cheese Ball

If you’re a pickle lover, this Dill Pickle Cheese Ball will become your new favorite party appetizer. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with the bright flavor of dill pickles. The texture and taste make it the perfect complement to crackers, veggies, or even pretzels.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• - Mixing bowl
• - Spatula or spoon
• - Plastic wrap
• - Cutting board and knife

Ingredients

  

• - 2 8 oz blocks cream cheese, softened
• - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese mild or sharp
• - 3/4 cup chopped dill pickles plus extra for garnish, if desired
• - 2 tablespoons pickle juice
• - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or 1 tablespoon dried dill
• - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• - Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• **Combine the cheeses**:
• In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined and creamy.
• **Add flavorings**:
• Stir in the chopped dill pickles, pickle juice, fresh dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
• **Form the cheese ball**:
• Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Gather the edges of the wrap and shape the cheese into a ball. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to firm up.
• **Garnish (optional)**:
• If you like, roll the chilled cheese ball in additional chopped pickles, fresh dill, or even crushed crackers for extra texture.
• **Serve**:
• Place the cheese ball on a serving platter. Serve with crackers, sliced vegetables, or pretzels.