Name: Dill Pickle Cheese Ball Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup dill pickles, finely chopped; 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; 1 tsp dill weed (dried or 1 tbsp fresh); 1 tbsp pickle juice; 2 tbsp green onions or chives, finely chopped; Optional: Crushed pretzels, extra chopped pickles, or shredded cheese for coating

Dill Pickle Cheese Ball Recipe This Dill Pickle Cheese Ball is a creamy, tangy, and savory appetizer that brings a bold burst of flavor to any gathering. It’s packed with cream cheese, shredded cheese, crunchy dill pickles, and a blend of herbs and spices—all rolled into one irresistible ball of cheesy goodness. Whether I’m hosting a party, prepping for game day, or looking for a fun snack, this recipe always hits the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quick and easy this cheese ball is to make, yet it never fails to impress. It’s the perfect combination of creamy and crunchy, with the zing of dill pickles making it stand out from the usual cheese spreads. I can prep it in advance, and it’s super versatile—I serve it with crackers, veggies, or even sliced baguette. It’s a low-effort dish that feels special every time.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cream cheese, softened
Dill pickles, finely chopped
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Dill weed (dried or fresh)
Pickle juice (for extra tang)
Green onions or chives, finely chopped
Crushed pretzels, chopped pickles, or extra cheese for coating (optional)

Directions

I start by mixing the softened cream cheese with the shredded cheddar until fully blended.
Then I fold in the chopped dill pickles, pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, dill weed, and green onions.
Once everything is evenly mixed, I shape the mixture into a ball using clean hands or plastic wrap.
I chill it in the fridge for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Right before serving, I roll the cheese ball in crushed pretzels, chopped pickles, or extra shredded cheese for texture and presentation.
I serve it on a platter with crackers, sliced veggies, or bread.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes one cheese ball, which serves about 8 to 10 people as an appetizer. It takes approximately 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour of chilling time.

Variations

I like to change it up depending on the occasion:

Use a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
Mix in a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Swap out pickles for pickled jalapeños or banana peppers for a different flavor.

Storage/reheating

I wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. If I’ve already coated it with something crunchy like pretzels, I wait to do that until just before serving so it doesn’t get soggy. This cheese ball isn’t meant to be reheated, but it tastes great cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

How far in advance can I make a cheese ball?

I usually make it up to 2 days ahead of time and keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge. I add the outer coating right before serving for the best texture.

Can I freeze a cheese ball?

Yes, I can freeze it before coating. I wrap it well in plastic and place it in a freezer bag. It keeps for up to a month. I thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

What do I serve with a dill pickle cheese ball?

I like to serve it with buttery crackers, pretzel chips, sliced cucumbers, bell pepper strips, or crostini.

Can I use sweet pickles instead of dill?

I prefer dill for the tangy flavor, but sweet pickles work if I want a different taste. It gives the cheese ball a milder, sweeter profile.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, I can use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives. The texture might be slightly different, but it still tastes great.

Conclusion

This Dill Pickle Cheese Ball is a fun and flavorful twist on the classic party appetizer. It’s quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd favorite. I love how simple it is to make something that feels so special. Whether I’m hosting or just treating myself, this is a go-to recipe I keep coming back to.