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Easy Low Carb Cheese Ball With Mascarpone And Gouda

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Cheese balls are a classic and fun appetizer that were all the rage in the 1950s-1970s. Looking for the perfect appetizer, snack, or gift? This easy low carb cheese ball with mascarpone and gouda is fun, versatile, and delicious.

Easy low carb cheese ball with mascarpone and gouda on a plate with crackers

Smooth and creamy mascarpone cheese compliments the tangy cream cheese, combined with a mild cheddar and a creamy gouda. This delicious cheese ball is then rolled in chopped almonds and sweet tangy pomegranate seeds.

This easy cheese ball recipe can be whipped up in no time and makes an impressive dish with so much flavor. We also love these healthy appetizers – Low sodium hummus and red lentil hummus.

How Many Carbs Are In This Cheese Ball

There are a total of 23.2 grams of carbs in this easy low carb cheese ball with mascarpone and gouda. This awesome low carb snack will easily feed 10-12 people. If you want a bigger ball, just add more shredded cheese – up to 10 ounces total. 

Easy low carb cheese ball with mascarpone and gouda on a plate

What Is A Cheese Ball

A cheese ball is a type of appetizer made from a mixture of cream cheese, shredded cheese, nuts, and other ingredients. It is typically served with crackers or bread. Cheese balls can be made with a variety of different cheeses, including cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, brie, and more. They can also be flavored with herbs, spices, or fruit. Cheese balls are a popular party food and can be easily made ahead of time.

This easy recipe can be adapted to suit your needs and flavors – try it as part of a keto diet, a low-carb diet, or a diabetic diet. It is a great idea for easy appetizers made with simple ingredients. 

Endless Cheese Options For An Easy Low Carb Cheese Ball

There are many types of cheese options for making a cheese ball. It would be best if you had a mix of creamy and shredded. Shred your own or buy pre-shredded cheese. Take your pick…you can use any type of cheese that you love and don’t worry about the exact measurements. 

Jade bowl of mascarpone cheese

Creamy Cheeses

  • Mascarpone
  • Cream Cheese
  • Brie
  • Feta
  • Roquefort
  • Camembert
  • Gorgonzola
  • Goat Cheese
  • Neufchatel
Wedge of basque cheese sitting on a wooden board.

Harder Cheeses For The Perfect Shred

  • Cheddar – sharp, medium and mild
  • Basque (photo above)
  • Mozzarella
  • Colby
  • Colby Jack
  • Fontina
  • Gruyere
  • Pepper Jack
  • Swiss
  • Gouda
  • Monterey jack
  • Sharp cheddar cheese
  • Mexican cheese

Additions To The Cheese Ball 

Don’t think this only has to be cheese, add in some of your favorite meats or antipasti ingredients.

  • Pieces of crispy bacon
  • Diced ham
  • Pimentos
  • Chopped pickles
  • Diced olives
  • Artichoke hearts – chopped
  • Diced green onions
  • Grated ginger
  • Roasted Garlic

More Topping Choices

white bowl with pomegranate seeds and a spoon to top an easy low carb cheese ball with mascarpone and gouda

The topping part is so fun!! The cheese ball has the perfect “sticky” surface for anything to adhere to. The most common topping is crushed nuts, but you could try anything. I use chopped almonds and pomegranate seeds – they give an awesome burst of sweetness to the beautifully creamed cheeses. 

  • Pomegranate seeds
  • Chopped pecans
  • Chopped walnuts
  • Raisins
  • Dried cranberries
  • Marchino cherries
  • Crushed pretzels
  • Bacon crumbles
plate of chopped almonds and some whole ones to top an easy low carb cheese ball with mascarpone and gouda

Seasoning Choices For A Low Carb Cheese Ball

There are so many fantastic seasoning ideas for this homemade cheese ball recipe! Try out some of your favorite spices to make this a perfect appetizer.

Here are some suggestions that you can find at your local grocery store. 

  • Garlic powder
  • Cayenne powder
  • Onion powder
  • Curry powder
  • Dried basil, oregano, parsley, dill, thyme
  • Real bacon bits
  • Chili powder

Ingredients For An Easy Low Carb Cheese Ball With Mascarpone And Gouda

Ingredients to make an easy low carb cheese ball with mascarpone and gouda on a wooden board

The ingredients for this easy low carb cheese ball with mascarpone and gouda and short and simple with a lot of great flavor.  

  • 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
  • 8 ounces of slightly softened cream cheese
  • 6 ounces shredded cheese (3 oz mild cheddar, 3 oz gouda)
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley
  • 1/2 cup of roasted almonds, chopped 
  • 1/4 cup of pomegranate seeds

Notes:

-Use any ratio of shredded cheese. And up to 10 ounces for a larger ball.

– You can use any dried herbs in any amount you like or omit them together. 

Instructions On How To Make An Easy Low Carb Cheese Ball With Mascarpone And Gouda

Here are the full instructions on how to make this delicious cheese ball recipe. 

1. In a food processor place the mascarpone cheese and the cream cheese and process for 30-40 seconds until well combined. 

Scooping mascarpone cheese into a food processor

2. Add in the pepper and parsley and mix for 20 seconds. 

3. Add the shredded cheese and pulse several times until mixed through but not all broken up. It is nice to leave some larger chunks of the cheese. 

The cheese mixture of an easy low carb cheese ball with mascarpone and gouda in a food processor.

4. Scrape out the mixture onto a silicone mat, put on some food-safe gloves (or clean hands), and lightly form the cheese mixture into a ball. Wrap it in plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator for at least an hour, two hours is better. 

Gloved hands rolling a cheese ball

5. After the cheese ball is chilled go ahead and unwrap it. Using the wrap, roll it around in a shallow bowl with chopped almonds. When it is covered, lightly press the nuts into the surface. 

Rolling a cheese ball in chopped almonds.

6. Set the cheeseball on a large plate. Gently press some pomegranate seeds onto the top (don’t skip this awesome extra ingredient). Line the plate with crackers or vegetable sticks. Serve cold. 

Putting pomegranate seeds on an easy low carb cheese ball with mascarpone and gouda

Notes:

-To mix the cheeses, I prefer a food processor.  You can use a large bowl with an electric mixer (hand mixer) or put all the ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer.  

– To shape the cheese ball you can place the cheese mixture on parchment paper, a baking sheet, a silicone mat (my preference), or a clean countertop. I also like to wear food-safe gloves to do this step. 

– The soft cheeses don’t need to be completely room temperature, just enough so you can beat them together. You want some shape. 

– Use this recipe to make smaller mini cheese ball bites. (A very fun party appetizer)

holding a cracker with cheese from an easy low carb cheese ball with mascarpone and gouda

How To Store A Cheese Ball

Cheese balls can be stored fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. (A long time!!) They are one of my favorite things to make ahead for special occasions. To help keep the cheeseball fresh when you are serving it, add a flattened ice pack under the plate to keep it cold. 

How To Serve A Cheese Ball

Hand with a cracker and cheese in front of an easy low carb cheese ball with mascarpone and gouda

Cheese balls are a classic and fun appetizer that were all the rage in the 1950s-1970s. They can be served with many types of bread, crackers, vegetables, or meat. Cheese balls are the perfect appetizer and a crowd favorite for birthdays, parties, big game day, holidays, office parties, and other special occasions. You can serve it as one large ball or make it into smaller mini cheese balls. 

Here are some suggestions:

  • Any type of cracker
  • Toast points
  • Tortilla chips
  • Pita chips
  • Pita Bread
  • Tortillas
  • Low carb crackers
  • Celery sticks
  • Carrot Sticks
  • Bell pepper wedges
  • Pretzels
  • Keto crackers

Wrapping Up Easy Low Carb Cheese Ball With Mascarpone And Gouda

Chicken knife cuttingb an easy low carb cheese ball with mascarpone and gouda

My whole family was excited when I whipped up this easy low carb cheese ball with mascarpone and gouda! I made this one for the holiday season and the beautiful red pomegranate seeds add a festive touch. The best thing about this delicious cheese ball appetizer recipe is that you can easily make it a day ahead of time.

Cheese balls are due for a comeback and this guide is an excellent start for you to create your own favorite and great recipes. Add this cheeseball recipe to your collection of low carb appetizers and wow everyone! Try it out with this chili charcuterie board for a great spread.

Cheers,

Sarah

Printable Recipe Card For Easy Low Carb Cheese Ball With Mascarpone And Gouda

5 from 2 votes

Easy Low Carb Cheese Ball With Mascarpone And Gouda

Smooth and creamy mascarpone cheese compliments the tangy cream cheese, combined with a mild cheddar and a creamy gouda. This delicious cheese ball is then rolled in chopped almonds and sweet tangy pomegranate seeds.
Print Recipe
Prep Time:10 minutes
Resting time:1 hour
Total Time:1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
  • 8 ounces of slightly softened cream cheese
  • 6 ounces shredded cheese 3 oz mild cheddar, 3 oz gouda
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley
  • 1/2 cup of roasted almonds chopped
  • 1/4 cup of pomegranate seeds

Instructions

  • In a food processor place the mascarpone cheese and the cream cheese and process for 30-40 seconds until well combined.
  • Add in the pepper and parsley and mix for 20 seconds.
  • Add the shredded cheese and pulse several times until mixed through but not all broken up. It is nice to leave some larger chunks of the cheese.
  • Scrape out the mixture onto a silicone mat, put on some gloves (or clean hands), and lightly form the cheese mixture into a ball. Wrap it in plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator for at least an hour, two hours is better.
  • After the cheese ball is chilled go ahead and unwrap it. Using the wrap, roll it around in a shallow bowl with chopped almonds. When it is covered, lightly press the nuts into the surface.
  • Set the cheeseball on a large plate. Gently press some pomegranate seeds onto the top (don’t skip this awesome extra ingredient). Line the plate with crackers or vegetable sticks. Serve cold.

Notes

Here is an affiliate link for my favorite food processor. I use this to make pie crusts, hummus, and more!
Use any ratio of shredded cheese. And up to 10 ounces for a larger ball.
You can use any dried herbs in any amount you like or omit them together.  
To shape the cheese ball you can place the cheese mixture on parchment paper, a baking sheet, a silicone mat (my preference), or a clean countertop. I also like to wear food-safe gloves to do this step. 
Use this recipe to make smaller mini cheese ball bites. (A very fun party appetizer)
Servings: 10 people
Author: Sarah

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