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Easy Lemon-Herb Cheese Bites: Best Appetizer Recipe

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These lemon-herb cheese bites are a quick, no-bake appetizer made with cream cheese, fresh herbs, and bright lemon zest. Ready in 15 minutes, they’re perfect for last-minute guests and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • Zest of 1 large lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • Optional coating: extra chopped herbs, crushed pistachios, or toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Take the cream cheese out of the fridge about 30 minutes before starting, or microwave it in 10-second bursts until soft but not melted. Place it in a medium mixing bowl.
  2. Zest and juice the lemon: Wash the lemon thoroughly. Using a microplane, grate just the yellow zest into the bowl with the cream cheese. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze 1 tablespoon of juice into the bowl.
  3. Chop the fresh herbs: Wash and dry the herbs thoroughly. Finely chop the chives, parsley, and dill. Add them to the bowl. Reserve a small amount of each herb for the coating if desired.
  4. Add seasonings: Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a fork or spatula to mix everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Chill the mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to firm up the cheese.
  6. Prepare the coating: If using a coating, mix the reserved chopped herbs (or crushed pistachios, sesame seeds, etc.) in a small shallow bowl. Set aside.
  7. Roll the cheese bites: Line a baking sheet or plate with parchment paper. Using a small cookie scoop or your hands (lightly greased with olive oil), portion out about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture. Roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball. Place it on the parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining mixture. You should get about 16-18 bites.
  8. Coat the bites: Gently roll each cheese ball in the herb mixture (or other coating) until evenly covered. Return them to the parchment paper.
  9. Chill again (optional but recommended): Refrigerate the coated bites for another 15-20 minutes before serving.
  10. Serve and enjoy: Arrange the cheese bites on a serving platter. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil if desired, and garnish with additional fresh herbs or lemon slices. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

For best results, use full-fat cream cheese and fresh herbs. Chill the mixture before rolling to make it easier to handle. These can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They also freeze well (uncoated) for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon herb cheese bites, easy appetizer, no-bake appetizer, cream cheese bites, party appetizer, last-minute appetizer

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/easy-lemon-herb-cheese-bites-best-appetizer-recipe/