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.
Boursin cheese stuffed dates drizzled with chocolate honey are the perfect appetizer for holiday parties that doubles as a dessert too. So easy to make.
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.
chanel
these look delicious! what a perfect holiday appetizer!
Homemade & Yummy
They certainly are tasty…hope you give them a try.
Emily
Yum! This is a new recipe idea for me to try! Sometimes I feel like I get stuck in a rut when I need to bring a dish to a party, but this is something new for me to make. Thanks!
Chef G
Yup it is a little interesting for sure.
Mary
I love me some lentils; they are filling, versatile and packed with protein. I bet they are a perfect addition to these creamy cheese balls.
Chef G
We happen to think so….and so does Canadian Lentils!!
Kerri
I always love trying appetizers like these at other people’s parties. Now, with your recipe, I can try to make my own!
Chef G
They are really easy to make. Hope you give them a try.
Camilla
What a fabulous and original recipe, I would love to serve these as appetisers at a party:-)
Chef G
Hope you give them a try.
Laura | Wandercooks
I absolutely love cooking with lentils, they always make me feel healthy and satisfied! But I’ve never thought to use them in an appetizer before – what a great idea! I can just imagine all the flavours now. Definitely can’t wait to try this one. 🙂
Chef G
It was a fun little recipe to create for Canadian Lentils.
Titan Tyler
love lentils as well. I cook them in chicken broth with bacon and onions in the slow cooker, and my whole family loves them. Can’t wait to try this
Chef G
Hope you give these a try. The leftovers (if you are lucky to have some) are great in so many things.
Heather Lawrence
Oh those look yummy!
I have never tried lentils before but those look delicious and really simple to make.
Perfect for the holidays!
Chef G
Lentils are so good…and easy to work with.
Tina
I really want to try making these. I love the idea to add them to eggs for an extra kick. What a super easy appetizer. Yum!
Chef G
YES…the leftovers are awesome in eggs.
The Food Hunter
what an excellent appetizer for the holidays
Chef G
Thanks…it is tasty and fun to make too.
Lisa @ garlicandzest.com
What a fun appetizer idea for the holidays. I never thought of using lentils like this.
Chef G
A unique little twist on lentils for sure.
Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry
Lentils are so good for you.These Canadian lentil bites look really yummy and make a great topping.
Chef G
We happen to agree with you on that!!
Cricket Plunkett
What a fun holiday app! I bet the lentils add a great texture!
Chef G
Yes they do for sure.
Mandy Carter
I love how well they are presented. Perfect for a party with pass around hors d’ourves.
Chef G
Thanks so much. It is a fun little party food.
Mark, Compass & Fork
I love green lentils but I have never used them to make a cheese ball. Nice idea, I bet it tastes great.
Chef G
Thanks so much. They are easy to make and fun to eat.
Ludmilla
Such a perfect appetizer for Thanksgiving!! Easy to make and looks delicious!!
Chef G
They are a fun little app for sure.