Bruschetta Cheese Ball – is a cheese ball recipe that combines two of everyone’s favorite appetizers – bruschetta and cheese ball. This easy cheese ball is loaded with tomatoes, basil, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, oregano, then rolled in crispy panko breadcrumbs for the ultimate show-stopping appetizer recipe.
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If you love the classic bruschetta appetizer, you’re going to obsess over this cheesy, creamy, tomato bursting, garlic and herb cheese ball recipe. This is a very versatile appetizer recipe that can be served at any special occasion, holidays, and more fun events. This easy spin on the classic cheese ball recipe is our new favorite!
This post is about how to make Bruschetta Cheese Ball for parties.
Best Cheese Ball
I must tell – I love the classic bruschetta appetizer more than anything else and I’m making it almost every day in the summertime. So then I decided to create a fun appetizer that combines two of everyone’s favorites – bruschetta and cheese ball. It is a very easy appetizer recipe that all your guests will keep asking for more. You can serve them with toasted baguette slices – insanely irresistible. Cheese Balls are one of my very favorite appetizers to make. They are super easy to make. And you can easily make them in different flavors. This Bruschetta Cheese Ball also makes an amazingly delicious spread for sandwiches.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- The ultimate cheese ball recipe.
- Perfect for those who love the classic bruschetta appetizer.
- Easy to serve for a large crowd.
- Uses fresh, simple ingredients.
- Simple to make ahead of time for a large party.
Ingredients Notes
This cheese ball recipe uses fresh ingredients that makes this appetizer even better. Here’s how it goes –
Cream Cheese
Shredded Cheese Mix (Parmesan & Mozzarella)
Basil
Olives
Garlic
Oregano
Salt & Pepper
Panko Breadcrumbs
Butter
Fresh Tomato
Fresh Basil Leaves for garnish
How to Make Bruschetta Cheese Ball
Divide the sun-dried tomatoes into two portions. Finely chop one portion and set it aside to add to the cheeseball mixture. Cut the other portion into slightly larger pieces for garnishing the cheeseball.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheese mix, sun-dried tomatoes, chopped basil, chopped olives, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Form the mixture into a ball shape and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until firm.
In a medium skillet over medium heat melt the butter and toast the panko breadcrumbs until golden brown, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and set aside.
Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Roll the cheese ball in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the surface of the ball until it is fully coated.
Top with diced tomato and fresh basil leaves for garnish.
Serve with sliced baguette, crackers, or vegetable sticks and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will make it easier to blend everything together.
- Use a food processor to finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes and olives for a smoother texture in the cheese ball.
- If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers instead.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese ball mixture.
- The cheese ball can be chilled without the coating for 24 hours.
- You can also add some chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the breadcrumb coating for extra crunch.
Alternatives to Panko Breadcrumbs
If you can’t find panko breadcrumbs or just want to try something else for what to roll cheese ball in, here are some other alternatives :
- Bacon bits
- Pecans
- Toasted breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Diced green onions
- Minced chives
- Diced roasted red peppers
Recipes Faq’s
How to Store Bruschetta Cheese Ball?
Store any leftover Bruschetta Cheese Ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
HOW LONG CAN A CHEESE BALL SIT OUT?
As with all dairy products, it’s not recommended to allow them to sit out in room temperature for too long. This cheese ball recipe can be served on a table for up to 2 hours.
Bruschetta Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 12.35 oz cream cheese
- shredded cheese mix (mozzarella, parmesan)
- 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup olives, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp oregano, dried
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tomato
- basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Divide the sun-dried tomatoes into two portions. Finely chop one portion and set it aside to add to the cheeseball mixture. Cut the other portion into slightly larger pieces for garnishing the cheeseball.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheese mix, sun-dried tomatoes, chopped basil, chopped olives, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Form the mixture into a ball shape and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until firm.
- In a medium skillet over medium heat melt the butter and toast the panko breadcrumbs until golden brown, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Roll the cheese ball in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the surface of the ball until it is fully coated.
- Top with diced tomato and fresh basil leaves for garnish.
- Serve with sliced baguette, crackers, or vegetable sticks and enjoy!
Be Sure To Pin Our Cheese Ball Recipe to Pinterest!
Looks so yummy! Cheese, in all forms, is my fave.