Imagine this: you’re hosting a gathering, and you want to serve a fun, eye-catching appetizer that will not only impress your guests but also taste amazing. Look no further than this fun “Carrot” Cheeseball recipe! This creation combines the creamy goodness of Boursin cheese with the sharp, savory flavor of Cheddar cheese, all shaped to resemble a carrot! It’s a perfect conversation starter and a tasty treat that pairs beautifully with an array of crackers, cold cuts, and fresh veggies. And, no carrots were harmed in the making of this recipe!
An Easy, One-Ingredient Cheeseball!
Easter is a busy time of the year, so who doesn’t love a really great kitchen shortcut? For this festive Easter “Carrot” Cheeseball, we’re using just ONE ingredient to make things as easy as possible: Boursin cheese.
If you haven’t tried Boursin cheese before, you’re in for a treat! This delicious spread is made from a mixture of cow’s milk cheese and butter, flavored with herbs and spices like garlic, parsley, and chives. It has a smooth and creamy texture that is perfect for spreading on crackers or bread, or for use as a filling in sandwiches or wraps. Boursin cheese is widely available in grocery stores and comes in a variety of flavors, like garlic and herb, pepper, and spicy chili. We love the garlic and herb-flavored version best for this cheeseball! And by the way, Boursin is the name of the company that makes the cheese; it’s not a variety like Cheddar or Swiss, but a specific product line from the Boursin company.
How To Make A Carrot Cheeseball (Tips)
- Choose the right cheese: Opt for garlic and herb Boursin cheese for the best flavor combination. For the grated Cheddar topping, use high-quality sharp Cheddar cheese to add depth and a savory kick.
- Grate the Cheddar freshly: Grate your own Cheddar cheese using the large holes of a box grater for a better texture and flavor. Pre-packaged grated cheese often contains additives that can affect the taste and appearance.
- Use plastic wrap to shape your cheeseball. Simply wrap the cheeseball in plastic wrap, shape it to look like a carrot, and chill it until it’s firm. See the video below for inspiration.
- Chill the cheeseball: Make sure the cheeseball is well chilled before decorating. This will make it easier to shape and help the grated cheddar adhere properly.
- Be gentle when decorating: Press the grated Cheddar cheese on gently, taking care not to damage the carrot shape. Use a light touch to achieve an even coating.
- Customize the presentation: Get creative with your serving platter! Use a bed of greens like lettuce or spinach to create the illusion of a carrot patch, or place the cheeseball on a wooden cutting board for a rustic feel.
- Make a double batch: Cheeseballs are always a hit at parties! Consider making a double batch so you have plenty to go around.
What To Serve Alongside Your Carrot Cheeseball
With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect accompaniments for these festive cheeseballs.
- Crackers: Serve this cheeseball with a variety of crackers such as crispy breadsticks, butter crackers, or pita chips.
- Bread: You can also serve it with slices of toasted bread or baguette, or mini crostini.
- Vegetables: Fresh vegetables like, celery, bell peppers, olives, and cherry tomatoes make great dippers for a cheeseball. But come on…with a carrot-shaped cheeseball, you simply must include fresh carrots on the side!
- Meat: Pair the cheeseball with cold cuts of meat such as prosciutto, salami, or ham for a more substantial appetizer.
- Fruit: Fresh fruit such as grapes, apples, and pears go well alongside a cheeseball for a sweet and refreshing contrast.
- Dips: Consider serving your cheeseball with a complementary dip such as hummus, guacamole, or spinach and artichoke dip.
Storage
This Carrot Cheeseball is best eaten right after it’s assembled!
More Festive Easter Recipes:
- Bunny Bait a white chocolate snack mix
- Easter Treats with free printable bag toppers!
- One Hour Easter Dinner made on two sheet pans
- Easter Cupcakes with cream cheese frosting
- Carrot Cake with candied pecans
Carrot Cheeseball
Ingredients
- 1 (5.2-ounce) package Boursin cheese see note 1
- 1/3 cup sharp Cheddar cheese freshly shredded, see note 2
- 1 bunch curly parsley
- Serving suggestions see note 3
Instructions
- Lay out a large sheet of plastic wrap. Unwrap the Boursin cheese and place it on the plastic wrap.
- Tightly wrap the cheese in the plastic wrap, forming a cone shape resembling a carrot. Freeze for 15 minutes or refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Before serving, unwrap the cheese "carrot" and gently press the freshly grated Cheddar cheese onto the surface to cover it evenly. Detach a generous amount of parsley from the bunch and position it at the top of the carrot for the stem.
- Serve with crackers and cold cuts as desired.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
