Description
This Dill Pickle Cheeseball is a creamy, tangy, and flavorful appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. Made with softened cream cheese, dill pickle juice, spices, cheddar cheese, and green onions, it’s a crowd-pleaser that combines the unique zest of dill pickles with sharp cheddar. Chilled and optionally coated with extra cheese and fresh dill, this cheeseball pairs perfectly with crackers, bread, and veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeseball Base
- 2 bars (8 oz each) full-fat cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup dill pickle juice (from the pickle jar)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried dill weed
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup finely chopped dill pickles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
Coating (Optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Cream Cheese and Pickle Juice: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and dill pickle juice. Use an electric hand mixer on medium speed to beat until the mixture is creamy and all the pickle juice is absorbed into the cream cheese.
- Add Seasonings: Add the garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill weed, and black pepper to the cream cheese mixture. Blend with the mixer until evenly combined.
- Fold in Pickles, Cheese, and Onions: Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the finely chopped dill pickles, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape and Chill: Transfer the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap placed on the countertop. Wrap it tightly to form a ball. Refrigerate the cheeseball for at least 2 to 4 hours, or up to overnight, to allow flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
- Optional Coating: If desired, mix the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh dill on a plate. Roll the chilled cheeseball in this mixture until evenly coated.
- Serve: Place the coated or plain cheeseball on a serving plate. Serve with your favorite dippers such as crackers, pretzels, baguette slices, chips, pita bread or crackers, naan bread, pickle slices, and vegetable sticks.
Notes
- For best flavor, chill the cheeseball overnight.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
- If you like extra tang, add more dill pickle juice to taste.
- Fresh dill in the coating adds brightness but can be omitted.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve at room temperature for the best spreadable texture.
