The ultimate savory snack: Mediterranean cheese balls loaded with Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic and a fistful of fresh herbs. Cream cheese and ghee beat smooth before the mix-ins fold in, and each ball rolls in grated Parmesan for a savory crust. Chill them well and four cheese balls are ready to carry the whole appetizer table.
The Ultimate Savory Snack: Mediterranean Cheese Balls
Looking for an appetizer that’s effortlessly elegant and bursting with flavor? These Mediterranean Cheese Balls are your answer! Imagine rich, creamy cheese infused with the tangy bite of sun-dried tomatoes, the salty punch of Kalamata olives, and a vibrant mix of fresh herbs. Rolled in sharp Parmesan, each bite is a savory delight. They’re perfect for parties, a sophisticated snack, or a fantastic addition to your keto meal plan. Let’s get rolling!
Ingredients
• 1 cup / 226g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup / 226g (8 oz) ghee, softened
• 5 Tbsp / 25g (0.88 oz) parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup / 30g (1.06 oz) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup / 35g (1.23 oz) Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 3 Tbsp (45 ml) mixed fresh herbs (basil, parsley, thyme, oregano, parsnip, mint), chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preparation1. In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese and ghee. Let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to soften completely.2. Using a fork or a hand mixer, beat the softened ghee and cream cheese together until smooth and well combined. Fold in the chopped Kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes.3. Stir in the fresh herb mix and crushed garlic. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the mixture to firm up.4. Once chilled, remove the cheese mixture from the fridge and form it into 4 equal-sized balls. Spread the grated Parmesan cheese on a small plate and gently roll each ball until it’s evenly coated.5. Place the finished cheese balls on a serving plate and return them to the fridge for another 30 minutes to set completely. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition FactsServings: 4Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Calories: 157
• Total Fat: 14g
• Protein: 4.6g
• Total Carbohydrates: 4g (0.14 oz)
• Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
• Net Carbs: 1g (0.04 oz)
Pro Tips
• For a quicker softening time, cut the cream cheese into smaller cubes before letting it sit at room temperature.
• Serve these cheese balls with low-carb crackers, cucumber slices, or celery sticks for a complete keto-friendly appetizer platter.
• Feel free to swap the Parmesan coating for chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even toasted sesame seeds for a different texture and flavor.
FAQ
Q: Are these Mediterranean cheese balls keto-friendly
A: Yes, absolutely. With only 1g (0.04 oz) of net carbs per serving, these cheese balls are a perfect savory snack or appetizer for a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
Q: What can I serve with these cheese balls
A: For a complete keto-friendly appetizer platter, serve these cheese balls with low-carb crackers, fresh cucumber slices, or celery sticks.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time
A: Yes, this recipe is ideal for making ahead. The cheese mixture needs to chill for at least 1 hour to firm up and another 30 minutes after being rolled, so you can easily prepare them before your guests arrive.
Q: Is there a substitute for the Parmesan cheese coating
A: Certainly. For a different flavor and texture, you can roll the cheese balls in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even toasted sesame seeds instead of Parmesan.
Pro Tips
- Let the cream cheese and ghee sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes until completely softened – cutting the cream cheese into smaller cubes speeds this up – then beat them smooth before folding in the mix-ins.
- Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and fold in the chopped Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, crushed garlic and mixed fresh herbs until evenly distributed.
- Swap the Parmesan coating for chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even toasted sesame seeds, for a different texture and flavor.
- Chill the mixture for at least 1 hour until firm enough to shape, then form 4 equal-sized balls and roll them in the grated Parmesan on a small plate.
- Return the coated cheese balls to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to set completely, and serve them chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Mediterranean cheese balls ahead?
Yes – the mixture needs at least 1 hour in the fridge to firm up anyway. Shape and coat the balls, then chill them another 30 minutes before serving; they are meant to be served chilled.
What can I use instead of the Parmesan coating?
Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts work beautifully, as do toasted sesame seeds – each gives the cheese balls a different texture and flavor finish.
Why won't my cheese mixture beat smooth?
The cream cheese and ghee were probably still cold. Let both soften completely at room temperature for 30-45 minutes (cubed cream cheese softens faster), then beat until smooth before adding the herbs and vegetables.
Are these cheese balls keto?
Each of the 4 servings has 157 calories, 14g fat, 4.6g protein and 4g carbs, so they make a solid savory keto appetizer.
Recipe card below.
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The Ultimate Savory Snack: Mediterranean Cheese Balls
Ingredients
Method
- Preparation1.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese and ghee.
- Let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to soften completely. 2.
- Using a fork or a hand mixer, beat the softened ghee and cream cheese together until smooth and well combined.
- Fold in the chopped Kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes. 3.
- Stir in the fresh herb mix and crushed garlic.
- Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
- Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the mixture to firm up. 4.
- Once chilled, remove the cheese mixture from the fridge and form it into 4 equal-sized balls.
- Spread the grated Parmesan cheese on a small plate and gently roll each ball until it's evenly coated. 5.
- Place the finished cheese balls on a serving plate and return them to the fridge for another 30 minutes to set completely.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
