This 5-ingredient cheese ball is lightened up with Neufchâtel light cream cheese and flavored with a savory seasoning blend and green onion for a healthier appetizer that’s guaranteed to be a major crowd-pleaser!
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Alexis says: “Just made my first EVER cheese ball! Thanks for making it simple and tasty!”
This post is in partnership with Kroger.
You’d Never Guess That This Cheese Ball Is on the Healthier Side!
This healthy(ish) cheese ball recipe really couldn’t be easier. And while I didn’t abandon all fat and calories, I made small changes to tweak it just enough to make me feel okay about having a scoop or three.
Inspired by this month’s partnership with Kroger, I’ve lightened it up. I used one package of Kroger’s store-brand of Neufchâtel light cream cheese that clocks in at 33% fewer in calories than regular, and a new product I’d never seen at Smith’s before, Kroger brand Greek yogurt cream cheese. It adds a bit of a tang that’s totally tasty.
Minced green onions, a squirt of Dijon mustard, a dash of onion powder and a few teaspoons of McCormick’s Bon Appetit seasoning salts replicate the original versions oniony vibe.
Just because you’re watching what you eat doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy every single bite!
Enjoy!
What’s in This Recipe?
The full recipe, with amounts, can be found in the recipe card below.
- Neufchâtel light cream cheese — Any light / low-fat cream cheese may be used, but I like the flavor and texture of Neufchâtel.
- Bon Appetit Seasoning — This McCormick seasoning blend is a mixture of celery salt and onion powder. I added extra onion powder to the cheese ball to amp up the flavor.
- Dijon mustard — Adds a little depth.
- Green onion — Finely mince the green onions so you don’t wind up with big chunks in your cream cheese ball.
- Sliced almonds — Rolling the cheese ball in almonds make it easier to wrap up and transport, plus I love the subtle crunch they add.
How to Make a Healthy Cheese Ball
- Mix everything together. Bring the cream cheese to room temp so it blends smoothly with the mix-ins and you don’t wind up with any lumps.
- Shape into a ball. I like to cut off a big piece of plastic wrap and then turn the cream cheese mixture into the middle. I then pull up the sides and twist them together at the top to shape the cheese mixture into a ball.
- Chill for 30 minutes. Since we’re working with low-fat cream cheese, it needs time to firm back up after the mix-ins have been added.
- Roll in almonds. I like to do this just before serving.
What to Serve on the Side
Instead of our favorite garlic-flavored bagel crisps, I’ll be laying out a spread of fresh veggies for my next party. Kroger has a big selection of pre-cut and portioned veggies in their refrigerator section. I love their snap peas, which are always in my fridge’s snack drawer!
When serving veggies with the cheese ball, choose from carrots, cucumbers, spicy radishes, celery, bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli, cauliflower, and more. Just choose veggies that are sturdy enough for dipping or scooping and won’t be overwhelmed by the cheese.
And yes, Kroger’s whole wheat light wheat crackers will be making an appearance as well.
If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below, leave a comment to tell us what you think, and tag me on Instagram @foodiecrush.
Healthier Cheese Ball Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Kroger Neufchâtel light cream cheese , at room temperature (or Greek yogurt cream cheese)
- 3 teaspoons McCormick Bon Appetit seasoning*
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 5-6 green onions , minced (white and green parts)
- ½ cup Kroger brand sliced almonds
Instructions
- Combine. Mix the cream cheese, Bon Appetit seasoning, mustard, and onion powder together in a bowl until smooth. Stir in the green onions.
- Shape and chill. Spoon the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap and mold into a ball then refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Roll in almonds. Unwrap the cheese ball and roll in the almond slices.
Notes
Nutrition
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This post is in partnership with Kroger. As always, thank you for reading and supporting companies I partner with, which allows me to create more unique content and recipes for you. There may be affiliate links in this post of which I receive a small commission. All opinions are always my own.
Mary
I don’t think Bon Appetit seasoning is available anymore. Any suggestions for a replacement?
There aren’t many food magazines around any more but I still read Food and Wine magazine.
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
Thank you, Maria!
Sandra
Nutrition? Can you post nutrition info?
Alexis
Just made my first EVER cheese ball! Thanks for making it simple and tasty!
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Shinee
I fell in love with greek yogurt cream cheese at first bite! It’s the best, and this lightened up cheese ball recipe sounds amazing. I don’t have Bon Appetit seasoning. Can you describe what it’s like? Or what would be closest substitute, if any?
I buy the McCormick brand of Bon Appetit. Its’a bit of a cross of celery salt and other spices. You can find it pretty readily at the grocery store.
Sue
I’ve lost 50 pounds since Mother’s Day last year. Doing it slow and easy. Cutting down on calories, carbs and fats. Only 2% dairy products, limit to 50 carbs in a meal, olive oil or Smart Balance only-no real butter. No booze except what will cook off and tons of fresh veggies. My most recent “find” is veggies tossed with olive oil, salt and pepper and oven roasted. OMG-where have these been all my life? The whole “diet” thing sounds horrible, but it really isn’t when you consider that you are doing what is healthy and good for your body.
I agree with you 100%. “Diet” isn’t my favorite vocabulary word. “Healthy” works much better for me.
bev @ bevcooks
I looooove cheese balls! I’mon get all in this.
Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch
Way to go! This is one gorgeous cheese ball! Love the tips too!
Sandy @ ReluctantEntertainer
Sounds good, Heidi. I’m proud of you with your new goals and staying on track!! xo
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
Happy to hear you’re sticking to your (re)solutions with style! It’s fun following you on your healthy journey!! And this cheese ball is totally up my alley…just love it!