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–+ servings

Roasted Garlic Asiago Cheese Ball

A soft, tangy cheese blend with sweet roasted garlic and crunchy herbs for a delightful holiday appetizer.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Serving Size 8 servings

Ingredients

Cheese Ball Base

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened Full-fat for best flavor; reduced-fat can be used but texture will be firmer.
  • 1 cup shredded Asiago cheese Aged Asiago adds more bite.
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise or sour cream For creaminess.
  • 1 head garlic (roasted) Or 3–4 cloves roasted garlic from a jar.
  • 1 tsp lemon zest Brightens the mix.
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 1–2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and chives Plus extra for coating.

Optional Coating

  • 1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts, pecans, or crispy bacon bits For a crunchy exterior.
  • 1/4 cup extra shredded Asiago For coating.

Serving Suggestions

  • 1 pkg crackers, sliced baguette, or vegetable sticks For serving.

Instructions

Roasting Garlic

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice the top off a garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30–35 minutes until soft and golden. Squeeze out cloves and mash.
  • Shortcut: Sauté minced garlic in 1 tablespoon olive oil until soft and golden — about 5 minutes.

Mixing Cheese

  • In a bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
  • Add mayonnaise or sour cream and beat until fully incorporated.

Adding Flavors

  • Fold in shredded Asiago, mashed roasted garlic, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and chopped herbs. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Chilling and Coating

  • Spoon the mixture onto plastic wrap, shape into a ball or log, wrap tightly, and chill for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
  • Unwrap and roll the cheese ball in your chosen coating — chopped nuts, extra Asiago, herbs, or crumbled bacon — pressing gently so it adheres.

Serving

  • Place on a platter with crackers, crostini, or veggies. Bring to room temperature 15–20 minutes before serving for easier spreading.

Notes

Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. Keep chilled until serving. This cheese ball can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.