Quick Cream Cheese Balls in Olive Oil

Looking for an easy appetizer that’ll impress your guests without keeping you stuck in the kitchen all day? We’ve all been there – trying to juggle hosting duties while preparing food that’s both tasty and looks good on the table. After countless parties and gatherings, I’ve learned that simple is often better, especially when you’re short on time.

That’s where these cream cheese balls in olive oil come in: they’re quick to make ahead, look lovely on any appetizer spread, and bring together classic Mediterranean flavors that everyone loves. Plus, you can easily switch up the herbs and seasonings based on what you have in your pantry.

What Kind of Cream Cheese Should I Use?

Regular block-style cream cheese is your best bet for this recipe – skip the whipped or spreadable varieties since they’re too soft to form into balls. While full-fat cream cheese will give you the richest flavor and best texture, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese if you prefer, though the balls might end up slightly softer. Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature before starting – this usually takes about 30-45 minutes on the counter and will help you achieve a smooth mixture without any lumps. If you’re in a hurry, you can cut the cream cheese into cubes to speed up the softening process.

Options for Substitutions

Need to make some changes to this recipe? Here are some handy swaps you can try:

• Cream cheese: You can use Neufchâtel cheese as a lighter option, or mascarpone for a richer taste. Just make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Goat cheese: If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, try using ricotta (well-drained) or feta cheese. Keep in mind that feta will make it saltier, so reduce the added salt in the recipe.
• Green onion: Chives make a perfect substitute, or try finely chopped red onion for a stronger flavor. Use about 3 tablespoons of chives or 2 tablespoons of red onion.
• Tarragon vinegar: White wine vinegar or champagne vinegar work well here. If using regular vinegar, add 1/2 teaspoon of dried tarragon to get a similar flavor profile.
• Olive oil: While olive oil is best for this recipe, you could use avocado oil as an alternative. Avoid using oils with strong flavors like sesame or coconut oil.
• Dried herbs: Fresh herbs can replace dried ones – use 1 tablespoon fresh for each teaspoon of dried. You can also swap basil and thyme with oregano or marjoram if needed.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making cream cheese balls is working with cream cheese that’s too cold – make sure both cheeses are at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting, which ensures smooth mixing and prevents lumps. A common mistake is rushing the chilling process after forming the balls – they need at least 2 hours in the refrigerator to firm up properly, or they’ll lose their shape when added to the oil. When preparing the herb-infused oil mixture, avoid the temptation to add more herbs than called for, as they can overpower the delicate cheese flavor and turn bitter over time. For the best results, store these cheese balls in a glass container rather than plastic, and always use a clean spoon when serving to prevent the oil from becoming cloudy or contaminated.

What to Serve With Cream Cheese Balls?

These tangy cream cheese balls are perfect for serving as part of an appetizer spread or cheese board! I like to put out a variety of crackers – water crackers work great, but seedy crackers and crusty bread slices are also fantastic for spreading these creamy bites. Since they’re marinated in herbs and olive oil, they pair really nicely with fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips for dipping. For a complete appetizer spread, try adding some cured meats like prosciutto or salami, along with a handful of nuts and dried fruit to round things out.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These tasty cream cheese balls need to be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight jar or container. The olive oil helps preserve them, and they’ll stay good for up to 2 weeks when properly stored. Just make sure they’re completely covered with oil to keep them fresh and flavorful.

Make Ahead: These are perfect for making ahead! In fact, the flavors get even better after a day or two as the herbs and seasonings infuse into the cheese. I like to make them at least 24 hours before serving to let all those good flavors develop.

Serve: When you’re ready to serve, take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes beforehand – they taste best at room temperature. Give the container a gentle shake to redistribute the oil and herbs. The oil might solidify a bit in the fridge, but it’ll return to liquid form as it warms up.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0 minutes
Total Time	60-1440 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1400-1600
• Protein: 20-25 g
• Fat: 140-150 g
• Carbohydrates: 10-15 g

Ingredients

• 1 package cream cheese (8 ounces)
• 1 package goat cheese (8 ounces)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onion
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup tarragon vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Step 1: Mix and Chill the Cheese Mixture

Start by combining your choice of cheeses with finely chopped onion and minced garlic in a mixing bowl.

Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined.

Once you have a uniform mixture, cover the bowl and chill it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.

This chilling time will allow the mixture to firm up, making it easier to form into bite-sized balls.

Step 2: Form the Cheese Balls

After the mixture has chilled and is firm to the touch, remove it from the refrigerator.

Using a spoon or a small scoop, portion out the mixture and gently roll it into bite-sized balls with your hands.

Place each finished cheese ball onto a tray lined with parchment paper or a non-stick surface.

Step 3: Prepare the Marinade

While your cheese balls are setting, combine your marinade ingredients in a blender or mixing bowl.

Blend or whisk well until the marinade is smooth and all the ingredients are integrated.

The marinade will infuse the cheese balls with additional flavor, so ensure the ingredients are well-mixed.

Step 4: Marinate the Cheese Balls

Place the formed cheese balls into a shallow dish or container with enough space for the marinade to cover them.

Pour the prepared marinade evenly over the cheese balls, ensuring they are fully submerged.

Cover the dish and let the cheese balls marinate in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.

This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cheese balls have sufficiently marinated, they are ready to be served as a delightful appetizer or snack.

Transfer them to a serving plate, garnish as desired, and enjoy their flavorful taste!