Spinach Pesto Cheese Ball Recipe

This vibrant Spinach Pesto Cheese Ball recipe, originally from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, is a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties or a special snack. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with fresh spinach and basil pesto flavor, this easy-to-make cheese ball is coated in crunchy toasted pine nuts and Parmesan. Get ready to impress your guests with this delicious and elegant appetizer!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Calories 165.1 kcal
Protein 14g
Rating 5.0 (2 Reviews)
Spinach Pesto Cheese Ball 54

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Spinach Pesto Cheese Ball

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How to Make Spinach Pesto Cheese Ball

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Spread pine nuts on a baking sheet and toast for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, toast in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, until golden brown.
  2. Remove pine nuts from oven or skillet and let cool completely.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spinach and basil and cook for 3 minutes, or until wilted.
  4. Drain spinach and basil in a colander and rinse under cold water. Squeeze out as much excess water as possible.
  5. In a food processor, combine the cooked spinach and basil, 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, the shredded cheese blend, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, and black pepper. Process until smooth and creamy.
  6. Cover the cheese mixture and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
  7. While the cheese mixture chills, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and toasted pine nuts on a plate.
  8. Moisten your hands with water. Roll the chilled cheese mixture into a ball.
  9. Roll the cheese ball in the Parmesan-parsley-pine nut mixture until evenly coated.
  10. Serve immediately or chill further before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

10 g

Sugar

1g

Fat

33g

Carbs

0g