Description
Crowd-pleasing Bruschetta Cheese Ball brings Italian flavors together in one irresistible appetizer. Creamy cheese, fresh herbs, and zesty tomatoes create a perfect party starter that guests will devour with crackers or bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
Bruschetta Topping Ingredients:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Serving Ingredients:
- Toasted baguette slices or crackers
- Extra basil or balsamic glaze for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Thoroughly blend cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until ingredients create a uniform consistency.
- Carefully wrap the cheese mixture in plastic film, gently shaping into a compact spherical form using gentle pressure to ensure smooth edges.
- Refrigerate the wrapped cheese ball for minimally 60 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and structure to solidify completely.
- Prepare the vibrant topping by combining fresh diced tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, chopped basil, and a delicate sprinkle of salt and pepper in a separate small container.
- Remove cheese ball from refrigerator and unwrap carefully, transferring to an elegant serving plate.
- Generously ladle the prepared tomato mixture directly over the cheese ball’s surface, ensuring even distribution.
- Optional: Enhance presentation by garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves or creating an artistic drizzle of balsamic glaze across the top.
- Accompany the cheese ball with crisp, golden-toasted baguette slices or a selection of artisan crackers for elegant dipping and serving.
Notes
- Chill the cheese ball thoroughly to help it maintain its shape and make spreading easier, preventing crumbly textures.
- For a lighter version, swap full-fat cream cheese with reduced-fat or Greek yogurt cream cheese to cut down on calories without sacrificing flavor.
- Customize the herb profile by experimenting with fresh herbs like oregano or thyme alongside basil for a unique taste twist.
- Prepare the cheese ball a day ahead to enhance flavor development and make party prep smoother, allowing ingredients to meld together perfectly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg