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Mediterranean Manchego Cheese Balls with Sun-Dried Tomato an – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Mediterranean Manchego Cheese Balls with Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive

Effortlessly elegant and bursting with bold, savory flavor, these Mediterranean-inspired cheese balls combine nutty Spanish Manchego with the tangy punch of sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and capers. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together in minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 serving
Calories: 178
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 3½ oz. / 100g (3.5 oz) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (57 g / 2.01 oz) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¼ cup (25 g / 0.88 oz) Manchego cheese, finely grated
  • ¼ cup (45 g / 1.59 oz) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and finely chopped
  • ¼ cup (38 g / 1.34 oz) pitted green olives, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp . / 18g (0.63 oz) capers, drained and rinsed
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced or crushed
  • 1/3 cup (30 g / 1.06 oz) flaked almonds, raw or toasted
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • For the smoothest, lump-free texture, ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before you begin mixing.
  • Toasting the flaked almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes deepens their flavor and adds a superior crunch.
  • The cheese mixture can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Roll in almonds just before serving to keep them crisp.
  • Finely chopping the sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and capers is key to ensuring the balls hold their shape and provide balanced flavor in every bite.

Method
 

  1. Directions
  2. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer or a sturdy spatula until completely smooth and creamy.
  3. Fold in the grated Manchego, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, capers, and crushed garlic.
  4. Season generously with black pepper and mix until everything is evenly distributed.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes. This will firm it up, making it much easier to shape.
  6. Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion the chilled mixture and roll it between your palms to form 6 uniform balls.
  7. Spread the flaked almonds on a plate. Gently roll each cheese ball in the almonds, pressing lightly to ensure they are fully coated.
  8. Serve immediately with your favorite crackers or vegetable sticks.

Nutrition

Calories: 178kcalCarbohydrates: 2.5gProtein: 4.2gFat: 18.1g

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