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Celebration Cheese Balls Recipe

Celebration Cheese Balls Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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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? Packaged in colored plastic wrap and tied with bright ribbons, they also make quick and easy gifts for friends, drop-in visitors, shut-ins and neighbors.

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Celebration Cheese Balls Recipe

Prep: 30 min. + chilling

Yield: 12 Servings

30 30

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
2 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted, 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 the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese and garlic until blended. Divide into three portions.
For Pine Nut-Pesto Cheese Ball: In a small bowl, 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 wrap; chill until firm.
For Horseradish-Bacon Cheese Ball: In a small bowl, beat one portion of cream cheese mixture and horseradish until blended. Stir in bacon and onion. Shape into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap; chill until firm.
For Salsa Cheese Ball: In a small bowl, beat one portion of cream cheese mixture, tomato paste and salt until blended. Stir in the cilantro, onion and jalapeno. Shape into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap; chill until firm.
Can refrigerate for up to two weeks. Serve with crackers. Yield: 3 cheese balls (1 cup each).

Editor's Note: Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils can burn skin. Avoid touching your face.

Nutritional Facts Pine Nut-Pesto Cheese Ball: 1/4 cup (calculated without crackers) equals 322 calories, 30 g fat (12 g saturated fat), 49 mg cholesterol, 296 mg sodium, 5 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 12 g protein. Horseradish-Bacon Cheese Ball: 1/4 cup equals 216 calories, 18 g fat (11 g saturated fat), 57 mg cholesterol, 708 mg sodium, 3 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 11 g protein. Salsa Cheese Ball: 1/4 cup equals 172 calories, 15 g fat (10 g saturated fat), 47 mg cholesterol, 316 mg sodium, 3 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 6 g protein.

Originally published as Celebration Cheese Balls in Cooking for 2 Winter 2008, p14

Pine Nuts

Also know as pignolia or pinon, the pine nut is the small seed from one of several pine tree varieties. They are small elongated ivory-colored nuts measuring about 3/8 inch long and having a soft texture and a buttery flavor. Frequently used in Italian dishes and sauces such as pesto, pine nuts are often toasted to enhance their flavor.

Light-Bodied White Wine

Enjoy this recipe with a light-bodied white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

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Reviewed on Jun. 20, 2009 by BlessedOut

EVER since I first made this, I have gotten a request (actually, a DEMAND) to bring these to that holiday event ever since. I have not found a single person who has not enjoyed these. :)

In fact, I'm kinda getting tired of making them! :) But the end product always makes me grateful that I did. SO yummy!