Best Dill Pickle Cheese Ball Recipe (2024)

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This Dill Pickle Cheese Ball is an easy appetizer that comes together in minutes and contains maximum dill pickle flavour. Dress it up for the holidays or keep it low key for game day. This one’s a winner!

This holiday themed Dill Pickle Cheese Ball will be the centre of attention at your holiday gathering, potluck, or family dinner. Made from softened cream cheese and chopped dill pickles, this cheese ball tastes almost exactly like dill pickle chip dip.

The best part? You can make it ahead of time or whip it up in under an hour.

What is a Cheese Ball?

A Cheese Ball is a highly customize-able sweet or savoury appetizer that contains a base of softened cream cheese mixed with other cheeses, nuts, seeds, meats, spices, or vegetables.

The ball is hand formed, then rolled in any variety of attractive coatings. In addition, many recent novel Cheese Balls are shaped and decorated to resemble festive objects, woodland animals or other interesting shapes.

Best Dill Pickle Cheese Ball Recipe (1)

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Cheese Balls – An Elevated Cheese Invention

Have you ever head the expression, “Cheese is milk’s leap toward immortality”? If the former is true than Cheese balls are ‘cheese’s leap towards infamy’.

The first Cheese Ball recorded was a giant 1235 pound behemoth sent from Elder John Leland of Cheshire, Massachusetts to President Thomas Jefferson in the early 1800’s.

Can you imagine a cheese ball this size rolling across the White House lawn?!

Much later on in the 1940’s, Cheese Balls became known as a highly adaptable and economical staple on wartime gatherings. If you have leftover cheese ends from Christmas or a party, a cheese ball is a great way to use them up.

Take a look on Pinterest and you’ll find this cheesy staple has withstood the test of time and has even developed a bit of a cult following.

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My Dill Pickle Cheese Ball Inspiration

Growing up I was infatuated with ripple chips dipped in Old Dutch Dill Pickle Chip Dip. On the farm, we didn’t eat a lot of ‘junk food’ so it was a real treat when our parents bought us chips and dip.

These days, I still have the odd craving for this tasty snack. By adding chopped up dill pickles, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder to cream cheese, I have come really close to creating a grow up version of my favourite childhood snack.

Best Dill Pickle Cheese Ball Recipe (4)

How to Make a Dill Pickle Cheese Ball

Cheese Balls are so easy to make! Begin with room temperature cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer, then add in the rest of the ingredients.

After they are mixed together, scrape the mixture onto a plate and place in the freezer for 45 minutes. This helps the cheese to firm up before the final shaping.

Next, shape the mixture into a ball with your hands. Smooth out any lumps or divots, then roll in the freshly chopped dill and garnish.

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What to Serve with a Dill Pickle Cheese Ball

When you’re ready to serve the Cheese Ball you have a variety of serving options. Classic Ritz Crackers are always a favourite, as are ripple chips.

To mix it up a bit, serve it with pita chips or naan bread. Don’t forget to have some gluten free options for friends on gluten free diets.

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How Long Will a Cheese Ball Last in the Fridge?

If you want to make this Dill Pickle Cheese Ball ahead of time, wrap it in plastic before you roll it in the fresh dill. It will keep for up to a week in the fridge this way.

If you customize by adding other ingredients, the cheese ball will last as long as your most perishable ingredient. Once you serve the cheese ball, it should be entirely eaten and not refrigerated for a second time.

Can You Freeze a Cheese Ball?

Sure you can! To freeze, wrap the ungarnished cheese ball in plastic wrap then place in another container or plastic freezer bag. It will be good frozen for up to a month.

To serve, thaw for an hour or two, then roll in garnish as desired.

Best Dill Pickle Cheese Ball Recipe (8)

Yield: 1 ball

Dill Pickle Cheese Ball

Best Dill Pickle Cheese Ball Recipe (9)

This Dill Pickle Cheese Ball is an easy appetizer that comes together in minutes and contains maximum dill pickle flavour. Dress it up for the holidays or keep it low key for game day. This one’s a winner!

Prep Time15 minutes

Additional Time45 minutes

Total Time1 hour

Ingredients

  • 1 8 oz package cream cheese; room temperature
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/3 cup dill pickle relish or finely chopped dill pickles; drained
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh dill

Instructions

  1. Place cream cheese, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce in the bowl of a stand mixer.
  2. Dry dill pickles/relish thoroughly with a paper towel. Add to mixer bowl.
  3. Mix well on low/medium speed. Scrape mixture onto a plate and place in the freezer for 45 minutes.
  4. Remove from freezer and quickly shape into a ball.
  5. Smooth the exterior with your fingers and carefully roll in chopped dill. Arrange on plate and enjoy with crackers.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 205Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 424mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 0gSugar: 3gProtein: 4g

Nutritional calculation was provided by Nutritionix and is an estimation only. For special diets or medical issues please use your preferred calculator.

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Best Dill Pickle Cheese Ball Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How much ball dill pickle mix to use? ›

The ingredients are: salt, dehy garlic, calcium chloride, dextrose, maltodextrin, dill seed, less than 2% of spices, natural flavors & color, silicon dioxide. Instructions are to mix 1/4 cup of the mix with 2 cups water and 1 cup vinegar. This makes 2 quarts of pickles.

What keeps pickles crisp when canning? ›

Use Calcium Chloride

Calcium chloride (CaCl2), sometimes known as “pickle crisp”, is a type of salt that helps preserve the crunchiness of food. It is used in the food industry to help preserve the texture of canned fruit and vegetables.

What does alum do for dill pickles? ›

Alum has little crispness affect on quick-process pickles. Alum will increase firmness of fermented pickles when used at levels up to ¼ teaspoon per pint, but greater amounts will decrease firmness.

How to make pickles better? ›

13 Ways To Boost The Flavor Of Pickles
  1. Experiment with different vinegar types. ...
  2. Add sugar for a touch of sweetness. ...
  3. Combine fresh herbs and spices. ...
  4. Toast spices for added depth. ...
  5. Explore international pickling styles. ...
  6. Incorporate flavored salts. ...
  7. Add some heat with spicy peppers. ...
  8. Experiment with different pickling times.
Apr 13, 2023

What are the two main ingredients needed to pickle something? ›

For quick pickles, a basic brine is equal parts vinegar and water, but you can adjust the ratio to your preference. Any basic vinegar is game — white vinegar, apple cider, white wine, and rice vinegar all work well. You can use these vinegars alone or in combination.

What is the best ratio for pickles? ›

The basic ratio for quick pickles is 1:1 vinegar to water, and includes some combination of salt and sugar. Another ratio that is commonly followed is the 3:2:1 method, using three parts vinegar, two parts water, and 1 part sugar.

What is the secret to crispy dill pickles? ›

The best way to keep your pickles crisp is by taking an extra moment to remove the blossom from the end of the cucumber. By adding this extra cut, you have a crisper pickle. Other ways to ensure a crisp pickle is by adding grape leaves to your jar. I tend to cut off both ends of the cucumber as I quickly process them.

Why do you soak cucumbers in ice water before pickling? ›

Better yet, grow them in the garden and ferment the day you pick them! Tasting the stem end can give you a sense of whether the pickle will be bitter since that's the end where bitterness concentrates. Soaking your cucumbers in ice water 30-60 minutes before fermenting seems to help keep crispness.

Why are my pickles mushy after canning? ›

It may be a normal reaction during fermentation caused by bacteria. If the pickles are soft, they are spoiled from the yeast fermentation. Don't use them. Using too weak a salt brine or vinegar solution may cause soft or slippery pickles, as can using moldy garlic or storing the pickles at too warm a temperature.

Why is alum no longer recommended for pickles? ›

Alum is no longer recommended because the aluminum in this product may be unsafe to consume. stored too long will not make a quality product. harbor bacteria that may cause softening in pickles. that cause softening are concentrated in the blossom end, and discarding a thin slice will help to keep pickles firm.

Which vinegar is best for dill pickles? ›

Most pickle recipes call for distilled white vinegar. This is the clear, colorless vinegar made by fermenting grains. It has a mellow aroma, tart acid flavor and does not affect the color of light-colored vegetables or fruits.

Can you put too much alum in pickles? ›

Scientifically, alum has little effect on quick-process pickles but may add firmness to fermented pickles when used at a rate of ¼ teaspoon per pints. Using too much alum will actually decrease firmness.

What makes pickles taste so good? ›

The process of fermentation gives pickle its distinctive flavor that serves as the perfect balance of spicy, sour and bitter to have along with a meal. The diversity of flavors in a single bite is what makes the dish truly complete.

How can I add flavor to my pickles? ›

Below are some of my favorite aromatics to add to pickles:
  1. Spices: Black peppercorns, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, bay leaves, all spice, cloves, red pepper flakes, marash chili flakes, star anise, caraway seeds, fennel seeds.
  2. Fresh Herbs: dill, mint, tarragon, cilantro.
Jan 31, 2024

How to keep pickles crunchy when canning? ›

Adding natural tannins such as grape leaves, black tea, or oak leaves can delay the softening process and keep your pickles firm. This is entirely optional and only works if your cucumbers aren't already soft.

How much ball pickle crisp granules do you use? ›

Calcium chloride aka pickle crisp is easier to use: you add 1/8 teaspoon along with the fruit or vegetable pieces and the pickling liquid to a pint jar, or 1/4 teaspoon to a quart jar and voila! Your done!

How do you use pickle mix? ›

You can add it to stewed fruits, use it in a pot roast recipe, or add it to a marinade for a crudite platter or just for some simple pickled vegetables. It is also delicious in any quick pickle recipe. Use it instead of the spices and herbs called for in that recipe.

What does pickle ball have to do with pickles? ›

Joel Pritchard's wife, Joan, started to call their game pickleball because “the combination of different sports reminded me of the pickle boat in crew where oarsmen were chosen from the leftovers of other boats.” But according to Barney McCallum, they named the game after Pritchard's dog, who was (as you might've ...

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