Dill Pickle Cheese Ball

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This dill pickle cheese ball is perfect for snacking or as a fun appetizer at parties, game days, or gatherings! It’s creamy, and tangy, and has that irresistible pickle flavor that pairs perfectly with crackers, pretzels, veggie sticks, or even sliced baguettes.

Suitable for vegetarian and gluten free diets. Weight Watchers points included.

A close-up of the cheese ball topped with pickle slices and fresh dill, surrounded by crackers and carrot sticks on a serving plate.

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Sooooooooooo friends, you know I have a dill pickle obsession of late. So, I thought while I am at it let me add another favorite snack, these cheese balls. I must say cheese balls are the snack that keeps giving. Friends love it and secretly we hope they don’t like it so we have leftovers to snack on for the week. It’s so tasty and we love using our favorite dippers.

Dill Cheese Ball

As you know, I love quick, simple, and easy appetizers. Yes, I am a food-loving foodie but when it’s game day or family time I want all my focus time to be on my peeps. So, I love this cheese ball as it is easy to make.

I usually prep it the night before so the flavors get time to meld together. The secret to most dishes is time and patience. I do obviously try it when I am making it as quality control is important right? I simply can’t help myself it is creamy and delicious.

It is also super versatile and I can scratch in my pantry and fridge and find all the dippers I need for it.

If you are feeding a dill pickle-loving crowd then consider adding this Easy Dill Pickle Dip, Dill Pickle Pinwheels, and these Easy Air Fryer Fried Pickles.

A close-up of a cheese ball with a creamy center, coated with nuts, cheddar, and dill, topped with pickle slices, and served with crackers.

Ingredient Notes

For the cheese ball:

  • Cream Cheese – Soften it to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Adds a bold, rich flavor that complements the tanginess of the pickles. Shredded, so you can blend it easily.
  • Sour Cream – Helps create a smooth, creamy consistency and adds a bit of tang.
  • Dill Pickles – Finely chop them to evenly distribute that signature tangy pickle flavor throughout the cheese ball.
  • Pickle Juice – Adds a bit more tanginess and moisture to the mixture.
  • Fresh Dill – Fresh dill brightens the flavor and reinforces the pickle taste.
  • Garlic Powder – Adds a subtle garlicky flavor to balance the tanginess.
  • Salt – Adjust to taste, but go light since the cheese and pickles already bring a lot of saltiness.

For the coating:

  • Chopped Dill – Adds a pop of fresh flavor and a nice visual touch to the exterior.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Gives the coating extra texture and cheesy goodness.
  • Chopped Nuts – Pecans, walnuts, or almonds add a crunchy contrast to the creamy cheese ball. Skip if making it nut-free.
Dill pickle cheeseball ingredients.

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How To Make A Dill Pickle Cheese Ball

Get complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card further below.

A mixing bowl filled with a creamy cheese mixture with finely chopped dill pickles and shredded cheddar cheese, stirred with a purple spatula.

Step 1. – In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped pickles, pickle juice, dill, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until well combined.

A cheese mixture wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, ready to chill and firm up before serving.

Step 2. Shape the mixture into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.

A bowl of finely chopped nuts, shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh dill for coating the cheese ball.

Step 3. Mix the chopped pecans, lemon zest, and additional chopped dill for the coating.

A cheese ball fully coated in chopped nuts, cheddar, and dill, ready to serve.

Step 4. Unwrap the cheeseball and roll it in the nut mixture until evenly coated. Arrange the cheeseball on a serving platter.

Bintu’s Tips

  • You may want to check out this list of easy cheese ball recipes.
  • Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to make mixing easier and to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
  • After shaping the cheese ball, chill it for at least an hour to help it firm up and hold its shape better when rolling in the coating.
  • Love that pickle tang? Feel free to add an extra splash of pickle juice for even more zing.
  • Not a fan of nuts? Swap them for crushed pretzels, crackers, or even more shredded cheese. You can also add other herbs.
  • Let the cheese ball sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving to make it easier to spread and dip.
  • Want a fun presentation? Shape it into a log, the shape of a football, or smaller mini cheese balls for individual servings.
A cracker being dipped into the cheese ball, showing the creamy interior with a nutty coating, with celery sticks and crackers in the background.

Delicious Variations 

  • Make it spicy – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix for a spicy kick.
  • Crispy bacon – Mix in some crumbled, cooked bacon for extra savory goodness. You can even coat the outside with more bacon bits!
  • Add ham – Add finely chopped ham to the mixture for a tasty pickle and ham combo.

Prep And Storage

  • Prep Ahead – You can easily prepare it the night before or even up to 2 days in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge.
  • Store – Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving again so it softens up nicely.
  • Freeze – It’s best not to freeze this cheese ball. The texture of cream cheese can change when frozen, making it grainy.
A cheese ball garnished with pickle slices and dill, served with crackers and veggie sticks on a white plate.

FAQs 

Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste. Gouda or Monterey Jack would also work well in this recipe.

Can I make the cheeseball without nuts for allergies?

Yes, Simply omit the nuts or replace them with finely chopped herbs or seeds for a nut-free version.

Can I freeze the cheeseball for later use?

It is not recommended to freeze the completed cheeseball as the texture may change. You can, however, freeze the mixture before shaping it into a ball and then thaw and shape when ready to serve.

Hands gently shaping a cheese ball coated with chopped nuts, cheddar cheese, and fresh dill on a white plate.

Similar Recipes

And I have an entire collection of cheese ball recipes for you to choose from.

Serve With:

Weight Watchers Points

There are 9 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

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A close-up of the cheese ball topped with pickle slices and fresh dill, surrounded by crackers and carrot sticks on a serving plate.
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Dill Pickle Cheese Ball

This dill pickle cheese ball is the perfect make ahead appetizer.
Prep Time15 minutes
1 hour
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 236kcal
Author: Bintu Hardy

Ingredients

For the cheeseball:

  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup (120g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup (60ml) sour cream
  • ¼ cup (60g) dill pickles finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons pickle juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • salt to taste

For the coating

  • Additional chopped dill
  • ¼ cup (30g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (60g) chopped nuts

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped pickles, pickle juice, dill, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until well combined.
  • Shape the mixture into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the chopped pecans, lemon zest, and additional chopped dill for the coating.
  • Unwrap the cheeseball and roll it in the nut mixture until evenly coated. Arrange the cheeseball in a serving platter with crackers, sliced vegetables, or bread.
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Notes

    • Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to make mixing easier and to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
    • After shaping the cheese ball, chill it for at least an hour to help it firm up and hold its shape better when rolling in the coating.
    • Love that pickle tang? Feel free to add an extra splash of pickle juice for even more zing.
    • Not a fan of nuts? Swap them for crushed pretzels, crackers, or even more shredded cheese. You can also add other herbs.
    • Let the cheese ball sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving to make it easier to spread and dip.
    • Want a fun presentation? Shape it into a log, the shape of a football, or smaller mini cheese balls for individual servings.
    • Storage – Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 
    • There are 9 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.
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Nutrition

Calories: 236kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 299mg | Potassium: 100mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 616IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 169mg | Iron: 0.3mg

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