mini yogurt cheese balls
I thought I’d share a healthier recipe with you guys today, lest you start thinking that all we do in our household is sit around slathering sticks of butter onto strips of twisted bacon and frying up mac ‘n cheese for breakfast! Although I don’t hold back when it comes to comfort food and delicious treats, we do try to balance it out with healthy snacks and meals, too. I love this appetizer because it tastes great, it’s healthy and it looks great on a serving platter!
These little gems are very easy to make, too! Starting with some greek yogurt, mix in a teaspoon of salt for every three cups of yogurt. Spoon the yogurt onto a doubled up piece of cheesecloth (I just used a white cotton kitchen towel), tie up the sides and hang over a bowl for 24 hours (no need to refrigerate). Remove the “cheese” from the cloth, roll into balls, place on a baking sheet and put in the refrigerator for a few hours until they’re nice and firm.
At this point you can place them in a sterilized jar, cover with olive oil and store them at room temperature until you’re ready to use them. Supposedly they’ll keep for several months, although we’ve never been able to keep them around that long!
You can do a lot of different things with these….sometimes I add chopped herbs and spices before rolling into balls, or I roll them in a spice mixture just before serving. Grated lemon zest and a bit of garlic is a delicious combo, too! This time I just rolled them in some taco seasonings and served on cracked pepper Triscuits…but they’re awesome with pita bread, too! Just use your imagination – the sky’s the limit!
Cheers!
These look so good! Great for a cocktail party. I have been feeling like we need to clean up our eating act in the house,too! Way too much heavy food…these would be perfect to start with!
Wish I had some of this for lunch today! YUM. I’ll definitely have to try this.
Wow what an easy and great looking appetizer! I’ve never tried making a yogurt cheese before, that’s super creative – I can envision all sorts of great ways to use this concept! Awesome idea!
These are absolutely divine. They are healthier too. I would love to make this soon. :)
What a great idea! They look so good – I am going to have to make these. I’ll add greek yogurt to the shopping list!
Wow – this sounds great! The title grabbed me as I consume a LOT of yogurt – so nice to know I can actually DO something with it! Thanks a bunch!
hugs
suZen
Cheese balls are fun. Though, I’ve never made them before. A friend of mine has. I like these because they’re individual sized, rather than the big giant ball.
Pass me some crackers, please!
Do you think I could use regular plain yogurt and just strain it longer? Greek yogurt is something that’s hard for me to find around here!
I don’t see why not – I’d just leave it an entire extra day to make sure you get a good consistency :-)
These look wonderful! I’m planning a huge family dinner for the weekend and was thinking about what munchies to serve – now I know! I’m thinking I’ll do some rolled in lemon and thyme and others perhaps in smoked paprika for fun colors. Question though… do you think it would work with low-far greek yogurt?
Hi Katie! mmmm…both of those sound super good! I’m going to try both of them. I’m sure it would work with lowfat. Let me know how they turn out for you!
So cool, I am really into Greek yogurt right now and love this idea. How healthy and tasty.
I have never try them with greek yogurt, only with regular one. I`ll have to try this way, because they look amazing! Great photos!
I am officially in LOVE…with a yogurt ball! If ever you were in need of redemption, consider it granted!!!!!
oooh, i can’t wait to try these!! love that shot with the crackers!
LOVE your site layout and the food photos look great. A fun, beautiful spot you’re creating – I’ll def. be sticking around! :)
Thanks, Matt! I’m glad you stopped by and I look forward to getting to know you :-)
Well, I’m all for a little healthy food every now and then but it better be good! These cheese balls look so delicious! Seriously! Hmmm I’ll bet it’s like fresh goat cheese which is wonderful and does go with so many flavors. Excellent recipe!
Wow yummy yummy. I like the structure of your pics as well. Nice presentation.
These are scrumptious!
Tried these today-sooo very good! I rolled mine in chopped fresh basil, parsley, a little garlic, and cracked black pepper. Ooooh yeah! Am going to have to get a lemon and try them with the lemon zest and garlic because that sounds incredible. Very yummy flavor-like a cross between cream cheese and feta-sort of a mellow tang.