Goat Cheese Ball with Dates and Walnuts
A creamy, tangy cheese ball made with goat cheese, cream cheese, and sweet dates, rolled in toasted walnuts and fresh parsley. Perfect make-ahead appetizer for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 4 oz goat cheese log softened to room temperature
- 3 Medjool dates pitted and finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
- Pomegranate arils optional, for garnish
- Crackers for serving
- Pear slices for serving
- Apple slices for serving
Instructions
- Mix the Cheese Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, goat cheese, chopped dates, lemon zest, and salt. Mix with a sturdy spatula until well combined and smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Shape the Ball
- Gather the cheese mixture together and form into a rough ball shape. Place in the center of a large piece of plastic wrap. Use the plastic wrap to shape and smooth the mixture into a round ball, keeping your hands clean.
- Chill
- Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or overnight, until firm.
- Toast the Walnuts
- Spread walnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Bake at 350°F for 8 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through. Remove immediately to a bowl to cool, then chop finely.
- Prepare the Coating
- Mix the toasted, chopped walnuts and finely chopped parsley together on a large plate.
- Coat and Serve
- Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the walnut-parsley mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly on all sides. Let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Garnish with pomegranate arils if desired. Serve with crackers, apple slices, and pear slices.
Notes
Make Ahead: Prepare up to 4 days in advance. Keep wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to garnish and serve.
Freezing: Wrap in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator while still wrapped.
Serving Temperature: Allow cheese ball to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for easier spreading and better flavor.
Cheese Substitutions: Can substitute goat cheese with sharp cheddar, feta, or add a dollop of sour cream for extra tang.
Nut Alternatives: Pecans work beautifully in place of walnuts for a sweeter, more buttery flavor.
Date Substitutions: Dried cranberries, dried apricots, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers can replace dates.
Freezing: Wrap in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator while still wrapped.
Serving Temperature: Allow cheese ball to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for easier spreading and better flavor.
Cheese Substitutions: Can substitute goat cheese with sharp cheddar, feta, or add a dollop of sour cream for extra tang.
Nut Alternatives: Pecans work beautifully in place of walnuts for a sweeter, more buttery flavor.
Date Substitutions: Dried cranberries, dried apricots, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers can replace dates.