Description
This festive Easter Carrot Cheeseball is a delightful and creative appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with creamy softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and savory seasonings, it’s molded into a charming carrot shape and adorned with fresh parsley ‘greens’ for a seasonal touch. Serve chilled with crackers or vegetable sticks for a crowd-pleasing starter that’s both fun and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeseball Base
- 2 bars (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup finely shredded medium or sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onion
- 1/4 cup bacon bits or crumbles
- 4 teaspoons everything bagel seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Decoration
- 1½ cups finely shredded medium or sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 bunch fresh curly parsley
Instructions
- Soften and Combine Cream Cheese and Cheese: In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese bars and 1 cup of the finely shredded cheese. Stir together until fully combined and smooth. Ensure the cream cheese is well softened by leaving it at room temperature for no more than 2 hours or microwaving unwrapped for 40-45 seconds. This prevents lumps and ensures easy mixing.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in the thinly sliced green onion, bacon bits, everything bagel seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed within the cream cheese mixture.
- Shape the Cheeseball: Lay a sheet of plastic wrap onto the countertop and spoon the cream cheese mixture onto it. Using the plastic wrap, mold the mixture into a carrot shape—wider at the top and tapering towards the bottom. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours to firm up.
- Prepare for Serving: Remove the cheeseball from the refrigerator, unwrap it, and place it on a serving platter.
- Add Parsley Greens and Cheese Coating: Insert about 10-12 curly parsley stem pieces into the wider end of the cheeseball to simulate carrot greens. Press the remaining 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese around the entire surface of the cheeseball, covering it completely for a vibrant, textured finish.
- Serve: Keep the cheeseball chilled and serve with an assortment of crackers and fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Customize the cheese type according to preference; sharp cheddar adds more tanginess.
- This cheeseball can be refrigerated up to 24 hours before serving, making it ideal for advance preparation.
- Use fresh parsley for the ‘carrot greens’ to maintain a bright and fresh look.
- Serve with a variety of crackers and veggie sticks like carrot sticks, celery, and cucumber slices for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Easter appetizer, cheeseball recipe, carrot shaped cheeseball, holiday snack, party appetizer, cream cheese appetizer
