Description
Classic Italian bruschetta cheese ball brings Mediterranean flavors to party appetizers. Creamy herbed cheese blends perfectly with tomato and basil, creating a delightful spread you’ll crave at gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsps sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toasted baguette slices or crackers
- Extra basil or balsamic glaze for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Mixture Preparation: Combine cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, blending until achieving a smooth, homogeneous texture.
- Chilling Formation: Encase the cheese mixture in plastic film, molding into a compact sphere with gentle, uniform pressure. Refrigerate for one hour to allow flavors to develop and consistency to set.
- Topping Creation: While cheese ball chills, craft a vibrant relish by mixing diced tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, chopped basil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Plating and Finishing: Extract cheese ball from refrigerator, carefully unwrap, and transfer to a serving plate. Cascade the prepared tomato mixture evenly over the surface, ensuring complete coverage.
- Serving Suggestion: Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for enhanced visual appeal. Present alongside crisp, golden-toasted baguette slices or artisan crackers for an elegant appetizer experience.
Notes
- Blend Thoroughly: Mix ingredients completely to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, consistent texture throughout the cheese ball.
- Chill Precisely: Refrigerate for exactly 60 minutes to allow flavors to develop and help the cheese ball maintain its shape without becoming too hard.
- Tomato Prep Trick: Drain diced tomatoes slightly to prevent excess liquid from making the topping watery and compromising the cheese ball’s presentation.
- Serve at Room Temperature: Let the cheese ball sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and achieve the perfect spreadable consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg