This Mediterranean cream cheese ball recipe is the easiest way to elevate your favorite appetizer. Made with cream cheese, tangy feta, smoky gouda, bright sun-dried tomatoes, chopped nuts, and a medley of warm spices, it’s bursting with flavors and textures that are out of this world!
Table of Contents
What Is a Cream Cheese Ball?
A cream cheese ball is a type of cheese ball recipe that is crafted with a base of cream cheese. As a result, it’s fairly creamy in consistency and takes on the flavor of the seasonings and other additions.
Upgrade Your Classic Cheese Ball Recipe with Mediterranean Flavors
Who doesn’t love a good cheese ball recipe? They’re the ultimate appetizer!
However, some versions can be a little boring. Not in our house, though!
We take a traditional cream cheese ball recipe and pack it full of flavor and texture with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. You’ll never go back to store-bought versions again!
Ingredients
Below is an overview of the ingredients and instructions for this recipe. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details and nutrition information!
- Cream Cheese – Use block-style cream cheese, not tub varieties. For the best taste and texture, opt for full-fat varieties.
- Cheese – Crumbled feta and shredded gouda cheese add another layer of savoriness and smokey depth to the flavor.
- Olives – We use Kalamata olives, but any olives you like best will work. Or, feel free to omit them completely.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – These add a tangy, salty taste we love. If you can’t find sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes will also work.
- Herbs and Spices – Fresh Italian parsley, garlic powder, dried oregano, chopped chives, black pepper, sea salt, and za’atar seasoning create a savory taste with bright, refreshing notes that will knock your socks off.
- Walnuts – Use chopped walnuts for a bit of crunch. If preferred, pecans, almonds, or pistachios can be substituted.
Mix, Chill, and Serve
- Combine the cheese ball ingredients. Add the cream cheese, feta, gouda, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, parsley, walnuts, and spices to a bowl. Mix to combine and completely incorporate all the ingredients.
- Create a coating. Place the remaining nuts and za’atar on a plate, mixing to combine.
- Shape and coat. Shape the cheese mixture into a ball. Then, roll it in the za’atar mixture, coating it completely.
- Chill. Wrap the cream cheese ball with plastic wrap, and transfer it to the fridge to chill.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this recipe cold with pita chips, pita bread, crackers, or veggie chips for dipping. It makes for a great addition to mezze platters, too!
How to Store
Store the leftover cheese ball wrapped tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days.
Can I Freeze a Cheese Ball Made with Cream Cheese?
We do not recommend freezing this recipe! The dairy doesn’t thaw well, and it’s likely to become soggy.
More Flavor-Loaded Appetizer Recipes
We adore appetizers! If you’re like us, take a look at these other mouthwatering masterpieces that are satisfying starters for any meal:
- Hummus with Ground Beef
- Tomato and Burrata Salad with Za’atar
- Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Dip
- 7 Layer Greek Dip
Mediterranean Cream Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 16 ounces softened cream cheese
- 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbles
- 6 ounces freshly grated gouda cheese
- 1/2 cup finely chopped Kalamata olives or a mix of Kalamata and green olives
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped and drained of oil
- 1/4 cup finely minced Italian parsley
- 3/4 cup walnuts chopped and divided
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 Tablespoons chopped chives
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 Tablespoon za’atar
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, feta cheese crumbles, freshly grated gouda cheese, chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, minced Italian parsley, 1/4 cup of finely chopped walnuts, garlic powder, dried oregano, chives, and salt and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.16 ounces softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbles, 6 ounces freshly grated gouda cheese, 1/2 cup finely chopped Kalamata olives or a mix of Kalamata and green olives, 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely minced Italian parsley, 3/4 cup walnuts, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 2 Tablespoons chopped chives, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- On a separate plate, place the remaining 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts and za’atar. Shape the cheese mixture into a ball as much as possible and then roll it in the walnut and za’atar mixture until the outside is evenly coated.1 Tablespoon za’atar
- Wrap the cheese ball securely in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Equipment
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
