Mini Middle Eastern Cheese Balls

  • Prep 60 min
  • Total 2 hr 30 min
  • Servings 75

Ingredients

Basic Cheese Ball Ingredients

  • 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 package (10 to 11 oz) chèvre (goat) cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher (coarse) salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Flavor Stir-Ins

  • 3 cups crumbled feta cheese (12 oz)
  • 6 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons za’atar seasoning blend

Coating

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons za'atar seasoning blend
  • 1 1/2 cups finely chopped pistachio nuts

Serve-Withs, If Desired

  • Pita crackers

Steps

  • 1
    In large bowl, beat Basic Cheese Ball Ingredients with electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment on medium speed until combined.
  • 2
    Stir in Flavor Stir-Ins. With moistened hands, shape into 1-inch balls; refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. (If not using immediately, refrigerate up to 3 days, or freeze up to 1 month.)
  • 3
    In small bowl, stir together Coating ingredients. Roll balls in mixture to coat before serving. Serve with pita crackers, as desired.

  • If not using immediately, shape the cheese balls, cover and refrigerate up to 3 days, or freeze up to 1 month. Allow cheese balls to thaw in the refrigerator before rolling in the coating and serving.
  • Some of the more exotic ingredients in this recipe can be found in specialty stores and some large supermarkets.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Cheese Ball
Calories
60
Calories from Fat
50
Total Fat
5g
8%
Saturated Fat
3g
14%
Trans Fat
0g
Cholesterol
15mg
5%
Sodium
90mg
4%
Potassium
45mg
1%
Total Carbohydrate
1g
0%
Dietary Fiber
0g
0%
Sugars
0g
Protein
2g
% Daily Value*:
Vitamin A
4%
4%
Vitamin C
0%
0%
Calcium
4%
4%
Iron
0%
0%
Exchanges:
0 Starch; 0 Fruit; 0 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 0 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 0 Lean Meat; 0 High-Fat Meat; 1/2 Fat;
Carbohydrate Choice
0
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
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