A handful of simple ingredients that go together in minutes, three fun flavorful options…these creamy cheese balls from our Test Kitchen are a darling, do-ahead delight for busy holiday hostesses! Why not whip up several batches? —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Celebration Cheese Balls
Ingredients
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- pine nut-pesto cheese ball:
- 2 tablespoons prepared pesto
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
- 10 tablespoons toasted pine nuts, divided
- horseradish-bacon cheese ball:
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- salsa cheese ball:
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon minced seeded jalapeno pepper
- Assorted crackers
Directions
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, Parmesan cheese and garlic until blended. Divide into three portions.
- <b>For Pine Nut-Pesto Cheese Ball:</b> Beat one portion of cream cheese mixture and pesto until blended. Stir in basil. Chop 2 tablespoons pine nuts; stir into cheese mixture. Shape into a ball; roll in remaining pine nuts. Wrap in plastic; chill until firm.
- <b>For Horseradish-Bacon Cheese Ball:</b> Beat one portion of cream cheese mixture and horseradish until blended. Stir in bacon and onion. Shape into a ball. Wrap in plastic; chill until firm.
- <b>For Salsa Cheese Ball:</b> Beat one portion of cream cheese mixture, tomato paste and salt until blended. Stir in cilantro, onion and jalapeno. Shape into a ball. Wrap in plastic; chill until firm.
- Can refrigerate up to two weeks. Serve with crackers.
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