In my family, our Easter menu is all about easy appetizers that everyone loves. We like to keep things simple yet delicious with recipes like carrot cheese ball, mini open-faced sandwiches, strawberry bruschetta and BLT egg sliders.
We like to include a good variety of options for everyone to enjoy and have at least one edible table centerpiece like this carrot-shaped appetizer. It’s fun and looks great on the table. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be made ahead!
How to make a carrot cheese ball for Easter
Shopping list:
- Cream cheese
- Cheddar – Or any other orange-colored cheese.
- Cooked bacon – You can cook this yourself or buy ready-cooked bacon pieces. You will need about 6 strips of bacon.
- Celery salt – This is a tasty addition, but if you don’t have it on hand, use just salt and black pepper.
- Fresh herbs – I used cilantro (for the cheese ball) and parsley (for the decoration). You can use just one to keep it simple.
- Mustard – Classic French mustard gives this easy Easter cheese ball a nice flavor.
Tools and kitchen gadgets:
- Measuring cups and spoons – Or a scale. They are not that important, as you can eyeball it if necessary.
- Medium mixing bowl and a spatula – A fork will also do the trick.
- Plastic wrap – This is to shape the cheese ball to resemble the carrot.
- Baking sheet/tray – Or a skillet/frying pan to cook the bacon if not using ready-cooked bacon bits.
- Cutting board and knife – To cut the bacon into small pieces and to trim the herbs.
- Cheese grater – If using a cheese block.
- Serving tray or cutting board – For serving.
The prep is easy. You mix all the ingredients well, then with the help of plastic wrap, shape it into a carrot form.
Refrigerate and finish off with cheese and fresh parsley.
What to serve with carrot cheese ball?
The easiest option is crackers. Any will do, whether they are flavored or plain, with or without seeds or dried fruits. Vegetables like celery or carrots are also popular choices.
If you don’t mind spending a little more time in the kitchen, try making baked tortilla chips. They’re so easy to make! Or, make your own homemade toasted bread slices, perfect for appetizers!
If you don’t have time, then a freshly baked baguette is a tasty substitution. Simply slice it and serve with a knife so your guests can top it with as much of the cream cheese spread as they like.
This spring appetizer can also be a great addition to your simple charcuterie board or served alongside other Easter-themed foods like an Easter egg charcuterie board.
FAQs
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until ready to serve. To keep the freshest look possible, add the greens and cover with cheese before serving.
You can use any fresh herbs that resemble the carrot greens. Dill, cilantro, or the actual carrot leaves will all work great.
You can store them in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within two days.
Julia’s tips
- Add garlic powder or a splash of Hot Sauce for a spicy kick.
- Use a quarter-size baking sheet for chilling. That one fits easily in the fridge!
- Stir some finely chopped fresh chives or spring onions into the mixture for an extra flavor.
Easter Carrot Cheese Ball Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese (450 grams, softened)
- 3 cups orange cheddar cheese (shredded, divided)
- ½ cup bacon pieces (60 grams)
- 2 tablespoons classic mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (or to taste (finely chopped))
- celery salt (to taste, see note 1)
- fresh parsley (a bunch, see note 2)
Instructions
- To a medium bowl, add softened cream cheese, 1.5 cups shredded cheddar, bacon pieces, mustard, cilantro and a generous pinch of celery salt. Mix with a spatula until well combined. Taste. Add more salt, if needed.
- Line a small baking sheet/tray or cutting board with plastic wrap and transfer the cheese ball mixture over. Cover with another sheet of plastic wrap and shape into a carrot.
- Refrigerate for 60 minutes to overnight.
- When set, remove the plastic wrap and carefully transfer the cheese ball onto a serving plate/tray/cutting board.
- Stick a good amount of parsley inside the wider part and cover the cheese ball with the remaining shredded cheese. Pat it slightly to help it stick. You can use the back of a knife to make a few indents in the “carrot” to make it look like the real one.
- When ready, serve with crackers, veggies, crostini or anything you like!
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Celery salt can be substituted with just salt and black pepper.
- Parsley, cilantro, dill or carrot greens will all work just great!
- Make ahead: Prepare the night before serving and chill overnight. Then finish off before serving!
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