Easter Carrot Cheese Ball

This Carrot Shaped Cheese Ball will be the hit of your Easter party! Pair with crackers or veggies for a delicious Easter appetizer!

A cheese ball appetizer is a staple at any party.

You’ve probably had a cheese ball at a party, or maybe even made one. The cheese ball is an American classic recipe that’s been around for decades. It’s essentially a ball of cheese that is coated with or without nuts, or something similar and served with crackers. Cheese balls are used at parties to give guests something to munch on while they mix and mingle. People love cheese balls because they’re an easy appetizer to dig in and not get too full.

When planning your Easter menu the appetizers can be a challenge. You can always do the basic deviled eggs and veggie tray but this carrot shaped cheese ball will sure be a hit. And it also makes great leftovers the next day, if there is any.

A cheese ball can be savory or sweet—it all depends on your preference and what kind of flavor you think will pair well with the rest of your party spread. When it comes to what to serve with your completed cheese ball, the options are endless: crackers, crudités, bread—anything you think will complement the taste of the cheese itself.

Not sure where to start? Here’s a guide to building the perfect cheese ball.

Step 1: Choose your cheese

• I recommend a sharp cheddar for a classic look and taste. Mix in some cream cheese to ensure nice, easy rolling, but don’t replace all of the cheddar with cream cheese or you will lose the cheesy tang that is essential to any good cheese ball.
• You can also use this recipe as a base to experiment with other cheeses. Choices like Colby-Jack or Monterrey Jack result in an equally delicious and texturally satisfying product. You can even mix them together!

Step 2: Choose your mix-ins

• If you opt for plain cheddar, then you might want to consider a mix-in that adds both crunch and seasoning—try chopped nuts, crumbled bacon or dried cranberries! Just be sure not to add any wet ingredients at this stage; they will compromise the texture of your final product and leave you with an unappetizing mess.

Step 3: Select your coating

• This part is completely optional as the cheese ball can be left plain. If you do pick a coating, choose one that will cater to your guests, such as, nuts, crumbled bacon, chives, or shredded cheese. The most common coating for a savory cheese ball is chopped pecans or bacon bits. Other favorites include walnuts, almonds, and dried herbs.

Recipe Variations and Tips

• Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing!
• Can use any cheese ball recipe or use mine below!
• Leave allotted time of 1-2 hours for cheese ball to firm up in the fridge.
• To boost flavor, add in chopped herbs, chopped nuts, chutney or dried fruit.
• For a sweeter cheese ball, bacon or olive tapenade can be added.

Easter Cheese Ball Ingredients

16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 packet dry ranch seasoning
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
1 cup real bacon crumbles
1 cup shredded mild cheddar
Extra shredded cheese for topping
1 bunch of fresh parsley

How to Make an Easter Carrot Cheese Ball

Add softened cream cheese and packet of ranch seasoning to a large bowl and mix together until creamy.

Add green onions, bacon crumbles and 1 cup of shredded cheese and mix together until fully combined.

Place cheeseball mixture on top of plastic wrap and use your hands to shape into a carrot. Place in fridge for 1-2 hours or until firm.

Place cheese ball on platter and press shredded cheese onto cheese ball.

Trim stems on parsley and insert into the top of the carrot.

Serve with crackers, veggies, etc.