Lentil Cream Cheese Balls are perfect for holiday parties. A great addition to any charcuterie board.
Lentils are such a great ingredient to work with. You will want to give this red lentil tourtiere a try too. A meatless version of the classic French Canadian holiday dish.
Cream cheese balls made with lentils are a creamy, protein-packed appetizer perfect for parties. A make ahead lentil cream cheese appetizer that is festive and full of flavour.
The cold weather has finally made an appearance. The holiday season is here. Shopping, parties, entertaining, all the crazy holiday madness is HERE!! Are you ready?
I am just about to make some Holiday Cream Cheese Pinwheels, one of our favourite party appetizers.
Love goat cheese? This easy-to-make cheese log is party perfect. Try spreading it on toasted bagels too. You will want to make this delicious ricotta dip too.
Easy lentil dishes are great for entertaining. Budget-friendly and great for gluten-free and vegan diets too.
Ingredients For Lentil Cream Cheese Balls
There is nothing complicated about these ingredients.
- Cooked green lentils
- Cream cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
Mini Cream Cheese Balls Are Easy To Make
They are sure to add interest to your appetizer tray with their unique texture, while at the same time adding some nutrition to the party. Full instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Prepare the lentils in advance.
- Soften the cream cheese.
- Combine the lentils, cheese, and seasonings.
- Let mixture chill before scooping it onto crackers.
The secret to a smooth cheese ball is to make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing, making it easier to combine the ingredients.
You can let it sit on the countertop top. If you leave the block whole, it will take about an hour. If you cut the block into cubes it will take less time. If you choose to do it this way, but sure to place the cubes in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
Suggestions / Recipe Tips
- Lentils – I cooked dry green lentils. You can also use canned lentils. See the instructions in the recipe card for both options.
- Cream Cheese – I used full fat, but light cream cheese will work as well.
- Seasonings – You can use any type of seasoning you like. Make them spicy, Greek flavoured or even Mexican. All will be delicious.
Serving – Crackers of your choice, or they can be eaten alone. They taste best at room temperature.
Scooping – I used a mini cookie scoop, but you can also just use a spoon.
Storage – This recipe will keep for several days in the refrigerator, that way you can make it in advance of your party. Be sure to place it in an airtight container. If you are lucky enough to have any of this leftover, be sure to use it in other ways. Add them to your next omelette or frittata. Your eggs will sing with flavour.
Lentils are so easy to cook. It only takes a few minutes to make a pot full. I love having them in the fridge to add to salads, egg dishes, casseroles and even smoothies. Easy to use in so many delicious recipes too.
Lentil Cream Cheese Balls
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups cooked green lentils (you can cook 1 cup of dried lentils) (can also use canned lentils)
- 2 ounces sun-dried tomatoes in oil (chopped)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ½ teaspoons seasoned black pepper
- 2 teaspoons sun-dried tomato oil (from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes)
- ¼ teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
Instructions
To prepare the Green Lentils:
- Rinse 1 cup of lentils in a strainer under running water to remove dust and debris.
- In a sauce pan add 3 cups of water for every 1 cup of dried lentils.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer until tender (about 20 minutes).
- Let cool completely. They can also be made a day or two in advance and kept in the fridge.
- **NOTE** Be sure to add salt AFTER cooking to prevent the lentils from being tough.**If you are using canned lentils, be sure to rinse them well before adding to the recipe**
For the Cream Cheese Balls:
- Place softened cream cheese in a bowl.
- Using a hand held mixer, whip until smooth and fluffy.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oil, pepper and seasonings.
- Mix well.
- Add cold lentils, and mix well.
- Place in fridge to chill. If you are in a hurry, place bowl into freezer for about 10 minutes (don’t forget about it in there…or it will freeze).
- Using a 2 inch scoop, scoop out the balls and place them on a serving tray.
Jenny
This is a luxurious tasty dish. The lentils and cream cheese together are greater than the sum of their parts. Thanks for sharing Mini Cream Cheese Balls.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
You are very welcome. Happy Holidays.
Moop Brown
What a unique recipe and cool appetizer! Never would’ve thought to combine cream cheese and lentils.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
It’s a fun and different cheese ball for the holidays.
Marie
This delicious appetizer came together easily and it was the perfect addition to my cheese and charcuterie board. The mini cheese balls stood out, my guests thought they were super cute!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
These mini cream cheese balls are just the perfect size for charcuterie boards.
Min
Wonderful and unique recipe! Made it this weekend and everyone raves about it!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Glad you and your guests enjoyed these lentil cream cheese balls.