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Keto Appetizers

Mom's Cheese Ball

This keto cheese ball brings back memories of my mom’s holiday table. Creamy, tangy blue cheese meets briny olives and crunchy pecans for a showstopping low-carb appetizer. It’s always the first thing to vanish at parties, and I love how simple it is to pull together.

15 min Prep time 60 min Cook time 75 min Total time 8 Servings 370 Calories
Mom's Cheese Ball

Ingredients

  • (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • ounces blue cheese, crumbled
  • (4 ounce) can chopped black olives, drained
  • /4 cup butter, softened
  • tablespoon freeze-dried chives
  • cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Start by placing the softened cream cheese, crumbled blue cheese, drained olives, softened butter, and chives into a medium mixing bowl. I like to use a fork to thoroughly mash everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. Once the mixture is uniform, I shape it into a round ball with my hands—it helps to wear disposable gloves to keep things tidy. Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap and scatter the chopped pecans evenly over it. Gently roll the cheese ball in the pecans, pressing lightly so they adhere all over. Wrap the ball tightly in the plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour, though longer is better for the flavors to meld. When you’re ready to serve, unwrap and place on a platter surrounded by your favorite keto crackers or vegetable sticks. The result is a creamy, nutty centerpiece that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Chef's Tip

For the best flavor, take the cheeses and butter out of the fridge a full hour before mixing—truly softened ingredients blend seamlessly without lumps. I also toast the pecans in a dry pan for 2–3 minutes to deepen their nutty taste.

Storage Tips

Tightly wrap any leftovers in plastic or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For the best texture, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

Variation Tips

Swap blue cheese with gorgonzola or goat cheese for a milder tang. Roll the ball in chopped toasted almonds or fresh herbs like parsley for a different finish, or add crumbled bacon to the mixture for extra savory depth.

Frequently Asked Questions