Keto Herbed Cheese Balls

These herbed cheese balls are a no-cook snack made from three cheeses: cream cheese, cheddar and feta. You mix them with parsley, chives and a few dry seasonings, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and coat them in crushed pecans or walnuts. Chilled for 30 minutes, they hold their shape and are ready to serve cold. The recipe makes 8 servings of one cheese ball each.

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Prep takes about 15 minutes and nothing goes on the stove. Each ball has about 150 calories and 2 grams of carbohydrates, so it works as a low-carb snack or appetizer.

What Goes Into the Cheese Balls

Full amounts are in the recipe card at the bottom. Here is what each part does.

• Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): the base. Softened cream cheese blends more easily with the other cheeses and gives a smooth texture.
• Shredded cheddar (4 ounces): adds a sharp flavor.
• Crumbled feta (4 ounces): adds a tangy, salty note.
• Fresh parsley and chives (2 tablespoons each, chopped): the fresh herb flavor, with the chives adding a mild onion taste.
• Garlic powder and onion powder (1 teaspoon each): dry seasoning that spreads evenly through the mixture.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): the pepper balances the richness of the cheese.
• Crushed pecans or walnuts (1/2 cup): the coating, which adds crunch.

Mixing and Rolling

Combine the three cheeses in a bowl and blend until creamy. A hand mixer or a spatula both work. Stir in the herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper until they are evenly distributed.

Form the mixture into small balls about 1 inch across, using your hands, then roll each one in the crushed nuts until it is fully coated. Put the balls on a plate and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes so they firm up. If you want sturdier balls, chill them for an hour or more.

Ways to Change Them

• Sun-dried tomatoes: mix diced sun-dried tomatoes into the cheese mixture for a Mediterranean flavor.
• Olives: chopped olives add a briny, savory note.
• Different coating: roll the balls in sesame seeds or flaxseeds instead of nuts for a different texture.
• Extra spice: smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can go into the mixture for some heat.

What to Serve With Them

Sliced cucumbers or bell peppers make good dippers and add crunch next to the soft cheese. Guacamole, salsa, sour cream and ranch dressing all work as dips, and a spicy salsa suits anyone who wants some heat. For a drink, sparkling water with lemon or herbal tea goes well.

FAQ

Can I make these cheese balls ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare them a day in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator.

How long do they last in the fridge?

In an airtight container, they keep for up to a week.

Can I freeze them?

Yes. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then move them to a freezer-safe container. They keep for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Which dipping sauces go with them?

Guacamole, sour cream, ranch dressing and spicy salsa all suit the herbed flavor.

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Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team

The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us