Cheese Balls with Cherry Tomatoes
Source/Author: Mary
These colorful cheese balls are a popular party appetizer in Belarus and neighboring countries. Creamy cheese, garlic, and egg form a savory shell around a juicy cherry tomato center, while fresh dill adds a bright herbal coating. They look elegant on a holiday table and require no cooking beyond boiling the egg.
Ingredients:
| • salt | to taste |
| • mayonnaise | 20 grams |
| • egg | 1 |
| • garlic | 1–2 cloves |
| • hard cheese | 50 grams |
| • fresh dill | 30 grams |
| • cherry tomatoes | 4–5 |
| • additional mayonnaise (if needed) | 5–10 grams |
1. Place the egg in a small saucepan and cover with cold water.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Once boiling, cook for 10 minutes.
4. Transfer the egg to cold water and let cool completely.
5. Peel the egg and grate it using a fine grater.
6. Grate the cheese using a fine grater.
7. Peel the garlic and grate it finely or press it through a garlic press.
8. Finely chop the dill and place it in a small bowl.
9. Cut the cherry tomatoes into quarters.
10. In a medium bowl, combine grated egg, grated cheese, garlic, mayonnaise and salt. Mix thoroughly. If the mixture seems too dry to hold together, add a little additional mayonnaise.
12. With slightly damp hands, take a portion of the cheese mixture and flatten it slightly.
13. Place a piece of cherry tomato in the center.
14. Carefully wrap the cheese mixture around the tomato and roll into a ball.
15. Roll the ball in the chopped dill until evenly coated.
16. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
17. Arrange on a serving plate.
18. Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes before serving.
TIPS & VARIATIONS:
- Havarti, young Gouda, Edam, or Monterey Jack work especially well.
- Pat the tomato pieces dry with paper towels before using to prevent excess moisture.
- Finely chopped parsley or green onion can be mixed with the dill coating.
- For a more colorful appetizer platter, make some balls with cherry tomato centers and others with cucumber or olive centers.
SERVING IDEAS:
- Serve chilled as a party appetizer.
- Add to a charcuterie or snack board.
- Pair with crackers and fresh vegetables.
- Serve alongside stuffed eggs and cheese spreads.
- Arrange on a platter with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and fresh herbs.