Greek Style Cheese Ball
A creamy, flavorful Greek-style cheese ball infused with feta, olives, green onion, and basil, perfect as an appetizer with pita or chips for gatherings and parties.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring cheeses to room temperature and cut into chunks.
- In a blender or food processor, process until smooth.
- Reserve 1 tablespoon chopped olives and 1 tablespoon chopped green onion.
- Stir remaining olives, green onion, and basil into cheese mixture.
- Shape the mixture into a ball and chill until serving.
- Sprinkle with reserved olives and green onion before serving.
- Serve with pita bread wedges or focaccia chips.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure your cream cheese is softened adequately before mixing. If you don't have feta, try using goat cheese for a tangy twist. For added flavor, consider incorporating sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers. This Greek Style Cheese Ball can also be enhanced with a sprinkle of lemon zest for a fresh touch.
Serving Suggestions
This cheese ball pairs beautifully with pita bread wedges or focaccia chips, making it a perfect appetizer for gatherings. You can also serve it alongside a fresh vegetable platter for a colorful touch. For a Mediterranean flair, consider serving it with a side of hummus or tzatziki sauce. Enjoy it with a crisp white wine for a delightful experience.
Storage & Reheating
Wrap any leftover cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. To serve again, simply remove it from the fridge and allow it to soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid freezing as it may alter the texture of the cheeses.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Greek Style Cheese Ball contains roughly 43 calories, with 2g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While feta and cream cheese are traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta. Just keep in mind that different cheeses will change the flavor profile and texture of the cheese ball.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To create a vegan version of this cheese ball, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use a dairy-free feta. Additionally, ensure that the olives and any other mix-ins are also vegan-friendly.
What can I serve alongside this cheese ball?
This Greek Style Cheese Ball is best served with crunchy pita chips, assorted crackers, or fresh veggies like cucumber and bell pepper slices. It also pairs well with olives, marinated artichokes, or even a light salad for a complete appetizer spread.
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).