Gluten-Free Bean and Cottage Cheese Ball Snack
This Gluten-Free Bean and Cottage Cheese Ball is the perfect blend of flavor and nutrition. Made with cottage cheese, white beans, cheddar, and herbs, it’s rolled in crunchy pecans and green onions. A delicious, healthier twist on a classic appetizer for holidays or game days!
This Gluten-Free Bean and Cottage Cheese Ball is one of my favorite go-to appetizers when I’m hosting, especially during the holidays or game day. It’s a fresh twist on the classic cheese ball, using cottage cheese and white beans to sneak in extra protein and reduce the fat without sacrificing flavor.
The creamy blend of cheddar, cream cheese, parsley, dill, garlic, and onion creates a rich, savory bite, while the toasted pecan and green onion coating adds a delicious crunch. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, or just a fun gathering with friends, this cheese ball never disappoints. It’s always a hit on charcuterie boards or served with veggie slices and crackers, making it the perfect addition to any party spread!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cheddar Cheese Ball Recipe
- Protein-packed goodness: Cottage cheese and beans add a boost of protein without extra fat.
- Perfect for gatherings: A tasty, crowd-pleasing appetizer for holidays, parties, or game day.
- Easy to make: Quick to whip up with simple ingredients you probably already have.
- Versatile serving: Serve with veggie slices, crackers, or on a charcuterie board for variety.
How to Make My Lighter Cheddar Cheese Ball Recipe
Here is everything you need to make the best-tasting gluten-free bean and cheddar cheese ball:
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a food processor, combine the cream cheese, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, white beans, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
Pulse until the mixture is smooth and well combined. If using fresh herbs, fold them in at this stage.
Step 2: Chill the Mixture
Place the cheese ball mixture in the center of a piece of plastic wrap. Bring all the sides together and twist it into a ball. Place the wrapped ball in a bowl and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours. Chilling helps the flavors meld and makes the mixture easier to handle.
Step 3: Shape the Ball
Finely chop the pecans and green onions and mix them together in a shallow bowl, mixing bowl or plate. Remove the chilled cream cheese mixture from the plastic wrap and roll it in the pecans and green onions until it is completed coated
Arrange the cheese ball on a serving platter. Provide gluten-free crackers, vegetable sticks, or other accompaniments for dipping and enjoy!
Gluten-Free Cheddar Cheese Ball Recipe Notes
Cream Cheese Balls: You can also shape the mixture into smaller mini cheese balls for individual servings or a quick snack. Prepare the mixture, shape the balls with a cookie scoop or spoon, and coat them. Store them in the refrigerator, covered, until ready to serve.
Seasoning Adjustment: You can easily adjust the seasonings to your taste. Fresh herbs taste delicious and enhance all the flavors.
Toasting the Pecans: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor. Melt one teaspoon of butter in a frying pan over medium/high heat. Add 1/2 cup of pecans and a few dashes of salt. Toss the pecans to coat and allow them to cook until they become lightly toasted. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook and burn.
Dairy-Free and Vegan Options: To make this recipe dairy-free and vegan, use plant-based substitutes for cream cheese, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, and Worcestershire sauce. Silken tofu is a good alternative for cottage cheese.
Serving Suggestions:
This dip tastes fantastic served with celery sticks, carrot sticks, any variety of crackers, and pretzel sticks.
Gluten-Free Bean and Cottage Cheese Ball Snack
Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup white beans
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup pecans (toasted & chopped)
- 1 green onion (diced)
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the cream cheese, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, white beans, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.Pulse until the mixture is smooth and well combined. If using fresh herbs, fold them in at this stage.
- Place the cheese ball mixture in the center of a piece of plastic wrap. Bring all the sides together and twist it into a ball. Place the wrapped ball in a bowl and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours. Chilling helps the flavors meld and makes the mixture easier to handle.
- Finely chop the pecans and green onions and mix them together in a shallow bowl, mixing bowl or plate. Remove the chilled cream cheese mixture from the plastic wrap and roll it in the pecans and green onions until it is completed coatedArrange the cheese ball on a serving platter. Provide gluten-free crackers, vegetable sticks, or other accompaniments for dipping and enjoy!
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tangy and delicious, my new favorite snack
Thank you Natalie! It’s one of my favorite snacks, too 🙂