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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.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
chill time 27 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
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.