Miniketo
ES

Keto Appetizers

Kati Rose's Cheese Ball

When I think of holiday appetizers, this keto cheese ball always comes to mind. It's a savory blend of cream cheese, cheddar, ham, and olives rolled in crunchy walnuts. The recipe is simple to make and always disappears fast at parties. Best of all, it's low in carbs, so you can indulge without guilt.

15 min Prep time 0 min Cook time 15 min Total time 8 Servings 350 Calories
Kati Rose's Cheese Ball

Ingredients

  • (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
  • cups shredded Cheddar cheese
  • /4 tsp garlic powder
  • /2 tsp salt
  • /4 oz thinly sliced cooked ham, chopped
  • /2 (2.25 oz) can black olives, drained and chopped
  • cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

  1. Step 1

    First, make sure your cream cheese is properly softened – I usually let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and shredded cheddar until they start to blend together. Add in the garlic powder, salt, chopped ham, and chopped olives. I find it helpful to use a fork to mash everything until it's evenly distributed. Once the mixture is uniform, use your hands to shape it into a ball. Don't worry if it feels a bit sticky

  2. Step 2

    that's normal. Now, spread the chopped walnuts on a plate or shallow dish. Roll the cheese ball gently in the walnuts, pressing them into the surface until the entire ball is thickly coated. It might take a little patience to get every nook and cranny covered. Finally, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Chilling for at least an hour helps the flavors meld and makes the cheese firm enough to hold its shape. When you're ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes so it's easier to spread.

Chef's Tip

For a deeper flavor, I toast the walnuts in a dry skillet until fragrant before using. This simple step adds a warm, nutty aroma that really elevates the appetizer. Also, grating your own cheddar instead of pre-shredded helps the mixture bind better.

Storage Tips

To store, keep the cheese ball wrapped in plastic and refrigerated for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it without the walnut coating for up to a month; thaw overnight in the fridge and roll in fresh walnuts before serving.

Variation Tips

I sometimes swap the ham for crispy bacon or leave it out for a vegetarian version. Walnuts can be replaced with pecans or almonds. For a different taste, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce. Serve with an array of low-carb dippers like celery sticks, cucumber slices, or flaxseed crackers.

Frequently Asked Questions