When it comes to entertaining, I try to keep things as stress-free as possible. I discovered long ago that few appetizers beat the simplicity, versatility, and sheer deliciousness of a simple cheese ball paired with Triscuits. Thus, when the folks over at Martha Stewart asked if I’d be interested in entering a little summer recipe challenge they were hosting called the Triscuit Summer Snackoff, I said heck yeah!
For this recipe challenge I needed to find a way to combine Martha’s selected seasonal ingredient–mixed berries–with Triscuits, (which coincidentally just happen to be my favorite snack cracker of all time), and I knew right away that whatever I came up with would have to be quick, easy, and delicious.
The natural choice for me? A Summer Cheese ball with Mixed Berries. Around the holidays I often make this delicious Cranberry and Cheddar cheese ball, so the summer berry & cheese combo seemed like a natural fit. The best part? It took less than 10 minutes to come together, which makes it the perfect lazy summer appetizer.
Here is what you need:
For the cheese ball: 15-20 fresh basil leaves 2 tablespoons butter, softened 1 8oz package cream cheese, softened 3/4 cup blue cheese crumbles 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt (optional) For serving: fresh mixed berries to place on top Triscuit CrackersStep 1: Finely chop basil to make approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons; set aside.
Step 2: Combine softened butter and cream cheese in bowl of stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment; whip on medium-high speed until fluffy, approximately 30 seconds, scraping sides with spatula if necessary.
Step 3: Add blue cheese crumbles, minced garlic, pepper, salt, and fresh basil; whip again on medium-high speed until combined, approximately 15-30 seconds, scraping sides with spatula if necessary.
Step 4: Scrape mixture into a ball using spatula; wrap with plastic wrap and chill until firm, approximately one hour.
Step 5: Place ball on serving dish; flatten slightly and create a slight indentation in the middle. Cover with fresh mixed berries and serve with Triscuits.
Summer Cheese Ball with Mixed Berries
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter softened
- 1 8 oz package cream cheese softened
- 3/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 20 fresh basil leaves
- fresh mixed berries
- Triscuit Crackers
Instructions
- Finely chop basil to make approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons; set aside.
- Combine softened butter and cream cheese in bowl of stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment; whip on medium-high speed until fluffy, approximately 30 seconds, scraping sides with spatula if necessary.
- Add blue cheese crumbles, minced garlic, pepper, salt, and fresh basil; whip again on medium-high speed until combined, approximately 15-30 seconds, scraping sides with spatula if necessary.
- Scrape mixture into a ball using spatula; wrap with plastic wrap and chill until firm, approximately one hour.
- Place ball on serving dish; flatten slightly and create a slight indentation in the middle. Cover with fresh mixed berries and serve with Triscuits.
Martha Stewart is challenging consumers to create a delicious snack using a secret seasonal ingredient she selects along with Triscuit crackers. Consumers are encouraged to share photos of their creations at TriscuitSummerSnackoff.com to be entered for a chance to win a trip to New York City to meet Martha Stewart ( as well as lots of other prizes!) Consumers can learn about the bi-weekly challenges and ingredients at TriscuitSummerSnackoff.com
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What is your favorite summer snack or appetizer?
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Not a fan of Blue Cheese. What about Feta?
What a fun challenge! This looks really yummy!