This easy Easter cheese ball is a delicious homemade cheese ball recipe shaped like a carrot. Topped with cheddar cheese to give it the orange color to complete the carrot look, it’s a perfect appetizer to place on a serving platter with crackers, crisp veggies, and more for dipping.
If you want an easy Easter appetizer, this is the perfect recipe. It combines a tasty recipe made with cream cheese and bacon with a little whimsy to your Easter celebration.
For more Easter snacks, add this Easter Trail Mix or these colorful Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies. Both would be a great addition to your Easter menu.
Why You’ll Love this Easter Carrot Cheese Ball
- The cheese ball is the shape of a carrot, for a fun themed appetizer for your Easter dinner.
- A simple cheese ball recipe that is made with the classic ingredients.
- A great make-ahead appetizer to have in the fridge for your Easter brunch or Easter holiday dinner feast.
- This is a great party appetizer to make and have on hand.
For another cute idea, make these baby chick mini cheese balls as individual cheese ball appetizers.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl or Hand Mixer
- Spatula
- Plastic Wrap for Shaping
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
Cheddar Cheese: Reach for shredded cheddar cheese for the coating of the cream cheese mixture. It will give it that orange carrot look.
Cream Cheese: The cream cheese needs to be at room temperature.
Bacon: Real bacon is what I used. Cook it up, drain off grease then finely dice into pieces.
Ranch Seasoning: Use dry ranch seasoning to flavor the cream cheese mixture.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a nice depth of flavor and smoke flavor to the softened cream cheese mixture.
Cilantro or Parsley: For the carrot top you will use fresh herbs to look like the carrot greenery topper. A bunch of parsley or cilantro works great.
How to Make this Easter Carrot Cheese Ball
In a large bowl, mix cream cheese and ranch seasoning mix until evenly distributed.
Add 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, bacon, and Worcestershire sauce to the mixture. Stir until combined.
Place the cheese ball mixture on plastic wrap and form into a carrot shape.
Transfer the carrot-shaped cheese ball to a serving plate or cutting board.
Use the remaining cup of cheddar cheese to cover the cheese ball, pressing gently to make sure it sticks.
Place cilantro or parsley stems or even dill sprigs into the top of the carrot cheese ball.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the cheese ball firm up. Serve with crackers, veggies, or your favorite dippers.
Serve with veggie sticks, an assortment of crackers, and more for a fun snack option.
Tips
- You can use also use a piece of parchment paper or wax paper for shaping the cheese ball mixture into the shape of a carrot.
- Mixing with a wooden spoon is a great way to ensure you get an even mix if you don’t use a mixer.
- Allow the cream cheese mixture to set up in the fridge in an airtight container or covered in plastic wrap. Since you work with room-temperature cream cheese it is softer, by letting it set up helps it become more firm.
- Make sure all the outside of the cream cheese base is covered in the shredded cheese, for the cutest Easter treat!
Variations
- Mix in some diced ham for a meat option for this delicious cheese ball. Just press ham into the cream cheese mixture as you would the bacon.
- Use a different blend of spices to flavor the cream cheese base. Garlic powder, onion powder, etc.
- Mix in other ingredients like green onions, black olives, and other ingredients to flavor the cheese ball a bit differently.
Can I Make this Cheese Ball Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make this cheese ball a day or two ahead of when you want to serve it up for an Easter party or event.
Is this Cheese Ball Served Hot or Cold?
This is a cold appetizer. You’ll want to serve it straight from the fridge. You can serve it at more of room temperature if you want the texture to be a bit softer. But it should not be heated up, as it will melt.
How to Store
Store your cheese ball in a sealed container in the fridge. You will find the cheese ball will last around 3-5 days in the fridge. The bacon bits are the first thing to spoil in the carrot cheese ball, so be on the look out.
You can freeze the cheese ball by placing it in a freezer-friendly container. Freeze for 1-2 months. Then thaw in the fridge overnight, before you eat it.
More Easter Recipes
If you are looking for festive and fun themed food then you came to the right place! Create an easy recipe with this Easter cheese ball for your Easter party appetizer.
Easter Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Cream Cheese softened
- 1 package Ranch Seasoning Mix
- 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese divided
- 2.5 ounce package Real Bacon Pieces 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled can also be used
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 bunch of Cilantro or Parsley for carrot top
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix cream cheese and ranch seasoning mix until evenly distributed.16 ounces Cream Cheese, 1 package Ranch Seasoning Mix
- Add 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, bacon, and Worcestershire sauce to the mixture. Stir until combined.2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese, 2.5 ounce package Real Bacon Pieces, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- Place the cheese ball mixture on plastic wrap and form into a carrot shape.
- Transfer the carrot shaped cheese ball to a serving platter.
- Use the remaining cup of cheddar cheese to cover the cheese ball, pressing gently to make sure it sticks.2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Place cilantro or parsley stems into the top of the carrot cheese ball.1 bunch of Cilantro or Parsley
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the cheese ball firm up.
- Serve with crackers and veggies.