Easter Carrot Cheeseball

Carrot shaped cheese ball on a serving platter with veggies and crackers.

This Carrot Cheeseball is a deliciously creamy cheese ball that is shaped like a carrot with shredded cheddar cheese and curly parsley. A carrot cheese ball is a fun and festive Easter appetizer served alongside an assortment of crackers and veggies sticks.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword carrot shaped cheeseball, creative easter appetizers, easter cheeseball

Prep Time 15

Chill Time 1

Total Time 1 15

Servings

Calories 238kcal

Author Jessica - Together as Family

Equipment

Ingredients

2 bars (8 oz each) cream cheese softened
2½ cups finely shredded medium or sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onion
1/4 cup bacon bits or crumbles
4 teaspoons everything bagel seasoning
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 bunch fresh curly parsley

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese bars and 1 cup of the finely shredded cheese. Stir together until combined
^{* It's important that the cream cheese is well softened so it's easier to stir together and so you don't end up with lumps of cream cheese. Leave it out at room temperature no more than 2 hours before beginning, or microwave the unwrapped cream cheese bars for about 40-45 seconds just to soften them, they should not be hot and melty.}
Add in the green onion, bacon crumbles, everything bagel seasoning and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combined well.
Lay a piece of plastic wrap on the countertop and drop the cream cheese mixture onto it.
Use the extra plastic wrap to shape and mold the cream cheese mixture into a carrot shape (wide at the top, narrow at the bottom).
Wrap up the carrot cheeseball in the plastic wrap and allow it to refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours.
Take the cheeseball out of the fridge, unwrap it, and place it on a serving platter.
Use about 10-12 of the curly parsley stem pieces and stick them into the wide end of the cheeseball (the top of the carrot).
Press the remaining 1½ cups of finely shredded cheese around the top and sides of the cheeseball, making sure to cover all the exposed cream cheese.
Serve chilled with an assortment of crackers and/or veggie sticks.

Notes

Parsley : There is a 'curly parsley' variety and an 'Italian' variety. They look different, but both are still parsley, so make sure you are using the curly parsley for this cheeseball.

Serving Size : This recipe makes about 3 cups of cheeseball mixture. I figure it serves 12 people with each serving being 1/4 cup of the cheeseball. Nutrition I information is for 1 serving (1/4 cup) of the cheeseball.

Recipe Tips -

Softened Cream Cheese : It's important that cream cheese is softened before trying to mix it. To avoid lumps of cream cheese in the cheeseball, you need it softened well before you start making the recipe. Don't leave cream cheese out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours. You can also unwrap it, place it on a microwave safe plate, and microwave it for about 40 seconds. This way it's softened but not melty and hot.
Fridge Time : The 1 hour fridge time is important so that the cheese ball can set and firm up a bit. You can leave it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before coating it in the cheese & parsley for serving.
Shred Your Own Cheese : For the best taste and texture of cheese make sure you are shredding the cheddar cheese from a block. Do not use the bagged, pre-shredded stuff you get at the store. Make sure to also use the fine side of the cheese grater when shredding the cheese.
Assortment of Crackers : Cheeseballs are best served with an assortment of crackers and/or veggie sticks. Pick out a few of your favorites at the store and use them. My family likes Triscuits, Club crackers, mini pretzels, and the Carr's brand of assorted table crackers.
Full Fat Cream Cheese : This the best flavor and thick & creamy texture! I highly recommend only using it and not the reduced-fat cream cheese.
Non-Easter Carrot Cheeseball : Make this year round by simply shaping the cheeseball into a round circle and coating the outside with shredded cheddar cheese or any other cheese you prefer. Leave out the curly parsley leaves on the end.
Serving Suggestions : There are lots of ways to serve this carrot shaped cheeseball. Here are some of our favorites and other suggestions. Make sure to serve it chilled. A cheeseball should not be out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours. It will soften the longer it sits out.
- Crackers : Make sure to get a few varieties of crackers or an assorted pack. My family likes Triscuits, Carr's table crackers, Club crackers. Ritz crackers are another tasty option, Wheat Thins, Gluten-free cracker variety, etc. The sky is the limit.
- Veggies Sticks : This cheeseball is really good with some carrot sticks, celery sticks, or bell pepper sticks. Cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, black olives are other great options too.
- Baguette Bread : Serve with some sliced bread like baguette bread or crusty artisan bread.

Nutrition