Greek Cheese Ball
A creamy, flavorful Greek cheese ball packed with feta, olives, and herbs, perfect for parties or casual gatherings with pita wedges, chips, or bread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Process the feta cheese until smooth.
- Stir in the chopped olives, sliced green onions, and fresh basil.
- Shape the mixture into a ball.
- Cover and chill until ready to serve.
- Serve with toasted pita wedges, chips, or French bread slices.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. If you prefer a stronger flavor, consider adding a bit of crumbled goat cheese. Make sure to chop the olives and green onions finely for a better distribution of flavors. You can also experiment with different herbs, like dill or oregano, to customize the taste to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
This Greek Cheese Ball pairs beautifully with toasted pita wedges and can be served alongside a fresh vegetable platter. Consider adding Nancy'S Angel Hair Pasta or Lemon-Garlic Green Beans for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal. It also works well at parties as a dip with chips or French bread slices, making it a versatile appetizer for any occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain its texture, it's best not to freeze the cheese ball, as it may become crumbly when thawed. You can serve it cold directly from the fridge, or let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Greek Cheese Ball contains roughly 237 calories, with 8g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (25% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 631mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball a day in advance. Simply shape it and refrigerate it, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste when served.
What type of olives work best for this recipe?
Kalamata olives are a great choice for their rich flavor, but you can also use green olives or a mix of both for added complexity. Just make sure to pit and chop them finely before mixing them in.
Can I add other ingredients to the cheese ball?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative by adding sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or even nuts for added texture. Just be mindful of the balance of flavors to keep the Greek theme intact.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).