This dill pickle cheese ball is full of fresh dill, cheese, and chopped dill pickles. Coated in fresh crumbled bacon and green onions, these cheese ball can be served as a large cheese ball or on individual dill pickle cheese ball bites on a cracker.

I’ve been on a dill pickle kick lately and this dill pickle cheese ball recipe has been one I can’t get enough of. I love that it can be made in advance and that it can be formed into a large cheese or served as mini cheese balls for a party.

If you want more cream cheese appetizers, try my chipped beef cheese ball, dill pickle dip, and Rotel cream cheese sausage balls.

Why you’ll love this pickle cheese ball recipe

• Great pickle flavor. Chopped dill pickles and fresh dill gives this cheese ball the best pickle flavor.
• An easy make ahead appetizer. This appetizer is great when it sits in the refrigerator. It helps to develop the flavors. You can make this cheese ball the day before.
• Perfect for entertaining. Serve this as a large cheese ball or mini individual balls for a fun party snack.
• Fun twist on a classic. This is sure to satisfy all of the pickle lovers. A tasty twist on a classic cheese ball.

Ingredients

This dill pickle cheese ball can be put together with a few ingredients.

• Cream cheese – Softened cream cheese is the base of this cheese ball. Let it come to room temperature so that it blends smoothly.
• Mayonnaise – A little bit of mayonnaise gives this cheeseball extra creaminess and richness.
• Garlic powder – Adds savory flavor to compliment the cheese and pickles.
• Dill pickles – The star of the show, chopped dill pickles add crunch and tangy pickle flavor.
• Pickle brine – Pickle juice from the jar gives more flavor and helps to make a smooth cheese ball.
• Dill – Fresh dill gives the cheese ball amazing dill flavor.
• Green onions – Green onions add a mild onion flavor and green color.
• Cheddar cheese – Shredded cheddar cheese or sharp cheddar cheese work will with the recipe.
• Bacon – A pack of bacon cooked and crumbled is used for the coating.

How to make dill pickle cheese ball

1. Use an electric mixer to cream together the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and pickle brine. Mix until creamy.
2. Stir in the chopped dill pickles, green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh dill.

3. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for about 15 minutes. This will help make it easier to roll the mixture into ball.
4. If making cheese ball bites, form the mixture into small cheese balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. If making one large cheese ball, form the cream cheese mixture into a large ball. It might help to lightly grease your hands with non-stick cooking spray.
6. Make the coating by combining the crumbled bacon, more fresh dill, and diced green onion together on a plate. Roll the small cheese balls or large cheese ball in the coating.
7. Place the small cheese balls back on the parchment paper lined baking dish and refrigerate until ready to serve.
8. If making a large cheese ball, cover the cheese ball in plastic cling wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.

9. Serving, for small, individual pickle cheese balls, place each one on a cracker or insert a pretzel stick.
10. Serve a large cheese ball with crackers, chips, or vegetables.

Heather’s recipe tips

• Soften the cream cheese. This is an important step. Softened cream cheese will help to make the cheese ball nice and creamy with no lumps.
• Cook the bacon until crispy. This will give you the best texture and flavor for the coating.
• Chill before shaping. Chilling the cream cheese mixture in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes will help to make it easier to shape the cheese ball.
• Chill the cheese ball before serving. I recommend chilling before serving to let all of the flavors develop.
• Use plastic wrap to form a large cheese ball. This helps to mold the cheese ball into a ball shape and keep the shape while chilling.

Variations

Pickle bacon cheese ball is a fun twist on a classic cheese ball recipe. Here are a few variations to make it your own:

• Ranch seasoning – Add ranch seasoning for cheddar, bacon, ranch combination.
• Spicy cheese ball – If you like a little spice, add a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
• Ham or dried beef – Try adding diced deli ham or dried beef for extra savory flavor.

What to serve with dill pickle cheese ball

You can serve this as one large cheese ball with things like crackers, chips, bagel chips, cucumbers, carrot sticks, and pretzel crisps.

If you are making mini cheese balls, try serving them on top of Ritz crackers, Club crackers, or with a pretzel stick inserted into the mini cheese ball.

Storage instructions

Store any leftover cheese ball in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.

If you want to make this ahead of time, you can prepare it up to 2 days in advance.

The cheese ball can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap it in plastic cling wrap and then in foil. Place in the refrigerator overnight to thaw.

Frequently asked questions

More dill pickle recipes

• Ritz pickle bacon crackers
• Dill pickle potato salad
• Pickles in a blanket
• Dill pickle pinwheels