Herbed Cheese Ball with Fennel Seed, Basil & Cracked Pepper Crust
Creamy cheese rolled in a crust of crushed fennel seed, dried basil, black pepper, and optional citrus zest. The perfect festive appetizer to spread over crackers, seeded breads, or roasted veggies.
Servings 8 Serves 8–10 as an appetizer Makes 1 large or 2 small cheese balls
Calories 110kcal
Ingredients
- Cheese Ball Base
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 4 oz goat cheese or ricotta or more cream cheese for milder flavor
- 2 tbsp finely grated parmesan optional but great
- 1 tsp lemon or orange zest
- 1 tsp honey date syrup, or allulose syrup (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Coating Mix
- 1 tsp fennel seeds lightly crushed
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp black pepper coarsely ground
- Optional:
- 1 tbsp finely chopped toasted walnuts or pecans
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp sumac or paprika for color
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the Cheese Mixture
- In a bowl, combine all cheeses, zest, optional sweetener, and a pinch of salt.
- Mix until very smooth and well blended.
- Taste and adjust seasoning — a bit more citrus, salt, or sweetener if desired.
- Step 2: Shape & Chill
- Spoon onto parchment or plastic wrap and shape into a ball or log.
- Wrap tightly and chill for 30–60 minutes, until firm enough to coat.
- Step 3: Prepare the Crust
- Mix fennel seeds, basil, pepper, and any optional crust ingredients in a shallow bowl or plate.
- Unwrap cheese ball and roll gently in the mixture until evenly coated.
- Pat to adhere, reshaping slightly if needed.
- Step 4: Serve
- Serve on a platter surrounded by:
- Seeded crackers
- Grainy breads
- Roasted vegetables (e.g., sweet potato rounds, beet chips)
- Pear slices or figs for contrast
Notes
Nutrition (per 2 tbsp serving)
- Calories: ~110
- Fat: 9 g
- Carbs: ~2 g
- Protein: 3 g
🌟 Tips & Variations
- Add chopped dates or figs into the cheese for sweetness
- Use crushed pistachios or sunflower seeds in the crust for more texture
- Fold in caramelized shallots or roasted garlic for depth
- Want it spreadable? Serve it as a whipped dip instead, topped with the crust mix
🛡️ Consumer Safety Note
⚠️ Contains dairy and optional nuts. Always chill thoroughly before serving. Best enjoyed within 3–4 days stored airtight in the fridge.
