Pistachio Lemon Cheese Balls with Basil & Olives

Pistachio Lemon Cheese Balls with Basil & Olives

Recipe and Photo by Kimberly Killebrew at The Daring Gourmet.


  • 22 balls servings

Ingredients

  • 6 oz cream cheese, at room temperature

  • 4 oz goat cheese, at room temperature

  • ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves

  • 1½ teaspoons very finely minced garlic

  • 2 teaspoons fresh Meyer lemon zest

  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 22 Lindsay Manzanilla Olives Stuffed with Pimiento, rinsed and patted dry

  • ½ cup chopped toasted pistachios


Cooking Directions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine all of the ingredients except for the olives and pistachios. Chill the mixture for 30 minutes until firm.

  2. Form the mixture into 22 balls. Press the olives into the center of the cheese balls and form them back into balls, completely encasing them in the cheese mixture. Roll the balls in the toasted pistachios to lightly coat them. Chill for at least 2 hours.

  3. Let the cheese balls sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. Serve with toothpicks