This Dill Pickle Cream Cheese Ball is a creamy, tangy appetizer made with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, sharp cheddar, and plenty of chopped dill pickles. Easy to make ahead and perfect for parties, holidays, or spring entertaining.
I’ve teamed up with Duda Farm Fresh Foods to share today’s recipe. I love to use their celery sticks for extra crunch and flavor. Bonus: they’re pre-washed making for the perfect dipping vessel for this cheese ball!
When I tell you my mouth salivates in anticipation for this cream cheese ball every spring, I am not kidding. There’s a heaping cup and a half of tangy dill pickles, chopped throughout! Folded into smooth cream cheese, with sharp cheddar – and let me tell you, this is THE perfect party dip.
ingredients to make a dill pickle cheese ball
There is so much flavor in this cream cheese ball with pickles; I like to serve with Dandy® Celery sticks as the perfect vessel for dipping.
Cheese Ball
- Cream cheese: the creamy base that holds everything together; soften to room temp for easy mixing
- Greek yogurt: adds a light tang and keeps the texture smooth, not too heavy
- Lemon juice: a touch of bright acidity to balance the richness
- Pickle juice: boosts that classic dill pickle flavor throughout
- Dill: fresh or dried; adds herby, pickle-forward flavor
- Garlic + onion powder: simple pantry spices for savory depth
- Black pepper: just enough to round everything out
- Shredded cheddar cheese: for sharp, cheesy flavor and texture
- Dill pickles: finely chopped and well-drained; the star of the show
Topping
- Shredded cheddar cheese: adds a savory outer layer
- Fresh dill: for color and a fresh, herby finish
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): for a little crunch and texture
how to make this cheese ball
This is a pretty classic cream cheese ball, but loaded up with pickles. Once it’s shaped, refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours so the flavors can meld and it holds its shape. That said, if you have the time, it’s even better after chilling overnight – the flavor really comes together with time.
How do I store my leftover cheese ball?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. If already coated, the topping may soften slightly, but it will still taste great.
Can I freeze a cheese ball?
You can freeze the cheese ball before adding the topping. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then add the coating before serving.
What should I serve with a dill pickle cheese ball?
I love to serve with Dandy® Celery sticks as the main dipping vessel! I like to schemer like a stuffed ant on a log for maximum coverage!
But crackers, pretzels, or sliced veggies like carrots and cucumbers, also work. And toasted baguette is never a bad idea either.
Dill Pickle Cream Cheese Ball
Ingredients
Cheese Ball Interior
- 16- oz cream cheese - softened to room temperature
- 4 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
- Juice from ½ lemon - about 1 heaping teaspoon
- 1 tsp pickle juice brine
- 2 tbsp fresh dill - chopped – or 1 tbsp dried dill spice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups dill pickles - finely diced, drained of excess liquid
Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 tbsp fresh dill - chopped
- finely chopped pecans or walnuts - for texture (optional)
Instructions
- Using a hand mixer, to a large mixing bowl add softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, pickle juice, fresh dill, garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper. Beat until well combined.
- Fold in shredded cheddar cheese and diced pickle until combined, with a spatula.
- Using a spatula, shape the cream cheese mixture into a rough ball and place it in the center of a sheet of plastic wrap. Bring the edges of the plastic wrap up and around the mixture, twisting to seal and form a smooth, compact ball. Place the wrapped cheese ball in a bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to overnight, until firm.
- When ready to serve: To a shallow plate or bowl, mix shredded cheddar, fresh dill and pecans, if using.
- Remove chilled cheese ball from plastic wrap and roll ball into mixture to coat with topping.
- Serve with Dandy® Celery Sticks and/or crackers or pretzels, etc.
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