The Anti-Inflammatory Mini Pumpkin-Shaped Cheeseballs have a creamy texture and savory flavor. We prepare these cheeseballs with Greek yogurt, walnuts, garlic, turmeric, black pepper, olive oil, parsley, cream cheese, chives, oregano, and smoked paprika. These cheeseballs have about 95 calories and 2.3 g of net carbs. The Anti-Inflammatory Mini Pumpkin-Shaped Cheeseballs are perfect for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, holiday appetizers, family events, and Mediterranean-inspired eating plans. You can serve these cheeseballs with Cucumber Slices, Bell Pepper Strips, Seed Crackers, Whole-Grain Crackers, Hummus, or Mediterranean Olives.
STATS:
- Course: Appetizer, Snack
- Calories: 95 kcal
- Diet: Anti-Inflammatory
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Portion Size: 1 mini cheeseball
- Total Servings: 12
- Total Time: 25 minutes
TOOLS:
- Bowl
- Spoon
- Small cookie scoop
- Knife
- Serving platter
INGREDIENTS:
- 8 oz. cream cheese
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup walnuts
- ¼ cup parsley
- 2 tbsp. chives
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tsp. turmeric
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- ½ tsp. oregano
- ¼ tsp. smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp. sea salt
- 12 parsley stems
- 2 tbsp. walnuts
INGREDIENT NOTES:
CREAM CHEESE:
- We use cream cheese to provide a smooth, creamy, and rich texture to the cheeseballs. As a replacement, you can use light cream cheese or Neufchâtel cheese.
GREEK YOGURT:
- Greek yogurt provides creaminess and a slightly tangy flavor. You could also utilize thick strained yogurt or labneh.
WALNUTS:
- We use walnuts to provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. As an alternative, you can use almonds, pistachios, or pecans.
PARSLEY:
- Fresh parsley provides freshness, color, and a light herbal flavor. As another option, you might utilize fresh dill or cilantro.
CHIVES:
- We use chives to provide a mild onion flavor to the cheeseballs. As a substitute, you can use finely chopped green onions.
GARLIC:
- Garlic provides a savory and aromatic flavor. As another choice, you could use ¼ tsp. garlic powder.
OLIVE OIL:
- Olive oil provides healthy fats and Mediterranean flavor. You can use avocado oil as an alternative.
TURMERIC:
- We use turmeric to provide golden color and a warm earthy flavor. You can reduce the amount for a milder taste.
BLACK PEPPER:
- Black pepper boosts the flavor of turmeric and adds mild spice. Freshly ground black pepper can be used for a stronger flavor.
OREGANO:
- We use oregano to provide a fresh Mediterranean herbal flavor. As another option, you can utilize Italian seasoning.
SMOKED PAPRIKA:
- Smoked paprika provides mild smoky flavor and attractive color. As a further choice, you might use sweet paprika.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- We stir the Greek yogurt & cream cheese till smooth.
- Include the salt, walnuts, smoked paprika, parsley, black pepper, oregano, turmeric, chives, garlic, & olive oil.
- Stir all the elements till perfectly blended & chill the mixture for just fifteen minutes.
- Distribute the mixture into twelve equal portions & we roll all the portions into a small ball.
- Gently coat every ball with chopped walnuts & we press gentle vertical lines around all the balls to create a pumpkin shape.
- Include a small parsley stem on the surface of all the cheeseballs.
- Chill the cheeseballs for only thirty minutes.
- Serve these pumpkin-shaped cheeseballs refrigerated.
TIPS:
- We soften the cream cheese first & then mix it.
- Gently wet your hands if the mixture is sticky.
- Make the cheeseballs one day before eating.
- Avoid including extra Greek yogurt in these cheeseballs.
- Refrigerate the mixture first & then shape it.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
VEGETABLES:
- Cucumber Slices
- Bell Pepper Strips
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Celery Sticks
CRACKERS:
- Whole-Grain Crackers
- Seed Crackers
- Almond Flour Crackers
FRUIT:
- Apple Slices
- Pear Slices
- Fresh Grapes
APPETIZER BOARD:
- Hummus
- Mediterranean Olives
- Roasted Vegetables
- Marinated Artichokes
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Put the cheeseballs in a closed box & store them for nearly 4 days.
FREEZER:
- Store the uncoated cheeseballs for approximately 30 days.
FAQs:
Could we prepare these cheeseballs earlier?
- Yes, you can make these cheeseballs almost one day before eating.
May we alternate walnuts?
- Yes, you can use sunflower seeds, almonds, pumpkin seeds, or pistachios.
Could we utilize labneh?
- Yes, you can use thick labneh as a different choice for Greek yogurt.
Will we prepare larger cheeseballs?
- Yes, you can make larger cheeseballs, although you will get fewer portions.
NUTRITIONAL FACTS:
Calories: 95 kcal
Sodium: 105 mg
Net Carbs: 2.3 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Sugar: 1.2 g
Fats: 8.1 g
Proteins: 3.2 g
Total Carbs: 2.8 g
