This Lemon Herb Goat Cheese Ball makes a quick party appetizer simply by mixing together goat cheese, cream cheese, lemon zest, green onion and fresh herbs. Great for holidays, parties and game-time snacking.
When it comes to watching sports games, food and appetizers are a must. The excuse to enjoy unique recipes like this Lemon Herb Goat Cheese Ball is my favorite part of sports. Whether you’re an avid fan that watches every game, or just enjoying the occasional gathering with friends, this cheese ball is a quick and easy appetizer.
It’s ready in minutes and only requires a few ingredients. Cheese balls are a common appetizer for parties, but I haven’t seen many goat cheese recipes out there. The combination of goat cheese, herbs and green onion pair together into a unique recipe.
How to Make a Goat Cheese Ball
Ingredients – What You Need
- Cream cheese – Make sure it’s at room temperature so it’s soft and mixes easily
- Goat cheese – Adds loads of flavors. Use soft goat cheese for easier mixing
- Lemon juice – A bit of tartness to complement the goat cheese
- Lemon zest – Not as tart as juice and adds strong lemon flavor
- Green onion – A bit of bit incorporated throughout cheese ball
- Fresh herbs – Rosemary and thyme round out this lemon goat cheese ball
- Crackers – For serving
Method
Simply mix together ingredients in a bowl. Form into a ball by hand, then roll in chopped nuts to coat.
Extra Tips for Making the Perfect Cheese Ball
- This cheese ball can be made in advance and left in the fridge wrapped in plastic wrap the day before serving
- If making in advance bring it out the fridge 10-15 minutes before serving to soften
- Make sure cream cheese is a room temp and use soft goat cheese for easy mixing and shaping of cheese ball
- Lightly wetting hands will help shape the cheese ball more easily if it sticks to you
- Any chopped nut works well, such as pistachios, pecans or walnuts. This step is important for added presentation, but also make it less messy when serving
Can you freeze a cheese ball?
Freezing a cheese ball for longer storage is not recommended. The cheese will crystalize and create curds when defrosted.
Make only as much as needed for a party. It’s not the best for leftovers, but will store 3-5 days in the fridge.
Making this Lemon Herb Goat Cheese Ball will take no time. You can even prep this holiday appetizer in minutes right before your party or gathering.
More Cheese Ball Recipes You’ll Like
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Lemon Herb Goat Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temp
- 4 ounces soft goat cheese
- 2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 stalk green onion, sliced
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- ½ cup finely chopped nuts, (pistachios or hazelnuts)
- 1 package crackers
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, stir together first six ingredients, through rosemary, until well combined.
- Scoop mixture onto saran wrap over a flat surface. Wrap and form into a smooth ball shape with hands. Chill until ready to serve.
- Spread nuts in even layer on a small plate. Roll cheese ball to evenly coat surface. Serve with crackers.
Notes
- This cheese ball can be made in advance and left in the fridge wrapped in plastic wrap the day before serving
- If making in advance bring it out the fridge 10-15 minutes before serving to soften
- Make sure cream cheese is a room temp and use soft goat cheese for easy mixing and shaping of cheese ball
- Lightly wetting hands will help shape the cheese ball more easily if it sticks to you
- Any chopped nut works well, such a pistachios, pecans or walnuts. This step is important for added presentation, but also make it less messy when serving
I get so busy that I just want a quick appetizer like this cheese ball for when the boys watch the games! So glad this is quick and easy to make!
Made this over the weekend and already can’t wait to make it again or the holidays! Thank you!
The cheese ball looks delicious. A perfect holiday appetizer.
This is my kind of appetizer too. I never thought of mixing goat cheese and cream cheese together, but I’m loving this idea and can’t wait to try it for the holidays.
I love goat cheese! Saving this recipe for the next girls night…everyone is going to love it 🙂