Summer Cheese Ball with Mixed Berries

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:

Step 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.

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?