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This carrot cheese ball is the perfect appetizer that’s easy to make with just three ingredients (plus a stem for cuteness factor, of course). It’s perfect for kids and adults of all ages and it comes together in minutes – serve across the Easter holidays and all through spring.
However you celebrate this season, Easter is widely regarded as a time of fresh new beginnings and joyful spring celebrations.
Have some fun with this Easter cheese ball as an appetizer or snack! It’s quick and really adds some seasonal delight to any gathering or meal.
This Easter appetizer recipe couldn’t be easier and is made in less than 10 minutes. It is so simple, delicious and darling. I truly love a good cheese ball, and we make them pretty frequently.
This Easter cheese ball has really mild and basic flavors, so everyone will enjoy it. It tastes amazing on crackers and vegetables!
Don’t Skip These: Check out my Easter dessert cheese ball, and don’t miss the ultimate cheese ball guide to help inspire your appetizer game!!
You don’t need to shape it into a carrot, but the carrot shape really adds to the creative Easter appetizer appeal. Food – especially a holiday appetizer – should be fun and look as good as it tastes.
Why You’ll Love this Carrot Cheese Ball
Table of Contents
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Cream Cheese – This needs to be softened so that it is easy to combine and creates a smooth mixture. Check out my how to soften cream cheese post for tips and tricks!
- Butter – You can use salted or unsalted butter in this recipe, just ensure that it is also softened like the cream cheese.
- Shredded Cheese – Shredded cheese is added at the end, use an orange cheese for that carrot look!
- Carrot Stem – Use a carrot stem, parsley or cilantro to create the stalk of the carrot.
- Optional – Use our Fiesta Ranch Seasoning to add even more flavor (as pictured).
Variations
- Add fresh herbs or a sprinkle of ranch dressing mix to the cream cheese for added flavor.
- Mix in bacon bits for a heartier flavor.
How to Make this Carrot Cheese Ball in Just 3 Easy Steps
- Mix – Combine cream cheese and butter, then refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Shape – Drop the mixture onto wax paper and roll into a cone. Use your hands to mold it into a carrot shape, no need for perfection.
- Garnish – Sprinkle with shredded cheese and add stem (carrot stem, cilantro, parsley). Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Watch the video where Julie will walk you through each step of this easy recipe. You will find a collection of recipe videos right here on our website with corresponding recipes.
Tips
- I prefer to use a full fat cream cheese for this recipe as it has a much richer flavor, but you can use a low fat cream cheese if you prefer.
- Be sure to refrigerate your cheese mixture for at least 30 minutes before you shape it. It will be easier to handle when it is cold.
- It’s best to grate your own cheese for the topping, it makes a big difference to the flavor and texture.
- It’s easy to add your own variations to this carrot cheese ball. Add in herbs, bacon, green onions or dried fruit to make it your own!
- Press the cheese into the cheese ball mixture.
Make More (or Less!)
Scaling up, down or substituting? You’ll love this printable Measurement Conversion Chart!
Shortcuts
- Use a pre-grated cheese if you’re in a pinch.
- Soften butter and cream cheese in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I serve a cheese ball?
You can serve the the cheese ball on a platter surrounded by crackers and veggies. People can either dip their crackers/veggies directly into the dip, or you can have people scoop some dip with a knife or spoon on to their plate.
What do I serve with a cheeseball?
Crackers, pita chips, bagel chips, carrots, celery, cauliflower, peppers, etc. all taste great with a cheese ball.
Make Ahead
- Set out the cream cheese and butter to soften on the counter for a couple of hours before you begin making the cheese ball.
- Grate the cheese up to a couple of days ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
How to Store
- At Room Temperature – Leave at room temperature while serving – for a couple of hours.
- Refrigerate – Because this cheeseball has no added herbs or ingredients that go off quickly, you can keep this cheeseball in the fridge for up to a week. I wouldn’t add the shredded cheese until a few hours before serving though as it could dry out. Form the carrot then cover it with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge.
- Freeze – You can freeze this cheeseball, although I would wait to add the shredded cheese until you are ready to serve it. Wrap the carrot in a couple of layers of plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Be sure to lay it flat as it freezes so the shape doesn’t distort. Thaw the carrot cheeseball in the fridge for at least 24 hours before serving so it returns to its optimal texture, before adding the shredded cheese and the stalk.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve this carrot cheese ball with anything sturdy enough to scoop it up. Some of our favorites include:
- pretzels
- sliced veggies
- Crostini
- Crackers
- Chips
What to Do with Leftovers
- Spread on a plain, wheat, or savory bagel.
- Spread a layer of dip on a tortilla of your choice, add meat slices and vegetables for a delicious wrap.
Dietary Considerations
- Gluten Free
- Nut Free
Easter Recipe Guide: You can find a comprehensive list of all my Easter Recipes here – over 125 memorable recipes to choose from!
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Carrot Cheese Ball Easter Appetizer
This carrot cheese ball is the perfect easy appetizer that's easy to make with just three ingredients. This fun carrot shaped cheese ball is perfect for kids and adults of all ages and it comes together in minutes. Perfect to serve across the Easter holidays.
Yield servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese one block, full fat
- 4 tablespoons butter salted, room temperature
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar, or any of your favorites
- 1 carrot stem (or parsley or cilantro)
Optional
- 2 tablespoons Fiesta Ranch Seasoning (or one packet)
Instructions
- Mix your cheese ball and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Drop the mixture onto wax paper and roll into a cone.
- Use your hands to mold it into a carrot shape, no need for perfection.
- Place onto platter and sprinkle with shredded cheese, patting it around the cream cheese mixture to stick.
- Insert stem (cilantro, carrot stem, parsley all work well) and refrigerate until serving.
Tips
Tips
- Be sure to refrigerate your cheese mixture for at least 30 minutes before you shape it. It will be easier to handle when it is cold.
- I prefer to use a full fat cream cheese for this recipe as it has a much richer flavor, but you can use a low fat cream cheese if you prefer.
- It’s best to grate your own cheese for the topping, it makes a big difference to the flavor and texture.
- It’s easy to add your own variations to this carrot cheeseball. Add in herbs, bacon, green onions or dried fruit to make it your own!
Note
This cheese ball is great with or without any seasoning. Check out this fiesta ranch blend to add even more flavor!Nutrition Information
Calories: 189kcal (9%), Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 5g (10%), Fat: 19g (29%), Saturated Fat: 11g (55%), Cholesterol: 57mg (19%), Sodium: 229mg (10%), Potassium: 50mg (1%), Sugar: 1g (1%), Vitamin A: 650IU (13%), Calcium: 100mg (10%), Iron: 1mg (6%)
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
Karen says
Instructions say make cheese ball. My question is: make ball with cream cheese and butter only? Do not add shredded cheese to the mix?
Julie Blanner says
Hi Karen! You’ll find the full printable recipe at the bottom of the post. Enjoy!
Hannah says
Cheeseballs are such a great snack to share – everyone loves them and they are so easy to make!
Tori says
That is so cute, I wish I would’ve seen this last week! I’m definitely saving for next year though, it is definitely the best cheese ball I’ve ever seen. I may make it just because haha.
Julie says
Thank you, Tori! Maybe a baby shower? Hope you had a great Easter!
Karly says
Okay, cuteness overload! Love any kind of cheeseball, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen one look this adorable. Gotta make this soon!