Description
A savory, Mediterranean-inspired cheese ball bursting with garlic, herbs, and olives, finished with a golden panko coating—your go-to party starter everyone will obsess over.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12.35 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheese mix (mozzarella and Parmesan)
- 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, divided
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup olives, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 fresh tomato, diced (garnish)
- Fresh basil leaves (garnish)
Instructions
- Finely chop half of the sun-dried tomatoes and reserve the other half for garnish.
- In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes, basil, olives, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
- Shape mixture into a ball, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to overnight.
- In a dry skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add panko and stir constantly until golden. Let cool completely.
- Unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in cooled panko crumbs. Garnish with reserved sun-dried tomatoes, diced fresh tomato, and basil. Serve with crackers or veggies.
Equipment
Buy Now → Notes
Make ahead for best flavor. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, use plant-based cheese and breadcrumbs. Great with crackers, pita chips, or veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Cook / Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg