Description
This Sun-Dried Tomato Swirled Bruschetta Cheese Ball is a visually appealing and flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings. It combines creamy cheeses with the vibrant taste of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs, served with crispy baguette slices.
Ingredients
Scale
- 200g (7oz) Cream Cheese, Softened: Use full-fat for best texture.
- 100g (3.5oz) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded melts smoother.
- 50g (1.8oz) Grated Parmesan Cheese: Use halal-certified if needed.
- 1 Clove Garlic, Minced: Freshly minced is best.
- 1 tsp (5g) Lemon Zest: Avoid the white pith.
- 1 tsp (5ml) Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed.
- 2 tbsp (30g) Fresh Basil, Chopped: Use fresh basil.
- 2 tbsp (30g) Fresh Parsley, Chopped: Flat-leaf parsley preferred.
- 1 tsp (5g) Dried Oregano
- ½ tsp (2.5g) Ground Black Pepper
- 100g (3½oz) Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil, Drained and Pureed
- 2 tbsp (30ml) Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 30g (1oz) Pine Nuts, Toasted and Coarsely Chopped
- 1 French Baguette, Sliced ½cm Thick
- Fresh Basil Leaves for Garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Baguette Crisps: Brush baguette slices with olive oil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes until golden.
- Combine Cheese Mixture: Beat cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, zest, juice, basil, parsley, oregano, and pepper until smooth.
- Create Tomato Swirl: Divide mixture, puree tomatoes into one half, gently swirl into the other.
- Assemble Cheese Ball: Form a cheese base, dollop tomato swirl, and fold to create a 6cm ball.
- Chill and Firm: Wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm.
- Serve with Flair: Drizzle with olive oil, scatter pine nuts, and garnish with basil.
- Slice and Enjoy: Warm a knife and slice into wedges.
Notes
For clean slices, warm the knife under hot water before each cut. Toasting pine nuts enhances their flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mix, Chill
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wedge
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: bruschetta,cheese ball,appetizer,party,sun-dried tomato,italian,easy,cheese,herbs