Celebration Cheese Balls
TOTAL TIME: Prep: 30 min. + chilling
YIELD: 3 cheese balls (1 cup each).
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
Ingredients
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2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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PINE NUT-PESTO CHEESE BALL:
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2 tablespoons prepared pesto
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2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
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10 tablespoons toasted pine nuts, divided
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HORSERADISH-BACON CHEESE BALL:
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2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
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1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
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1 green onion, finely chopped
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SALSA CHEESE BALL:
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1/8 teaspoon salt
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2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
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1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
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1 tablespoon minced seeded jalapeno pepper
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Assorted crackers
Directions
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1.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, Parmesan cheese and garlic until blended. Divide into three portions.
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2.
For Pine Nut-Pesto Cheese Ball: 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.
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3.
For Horseradish-Bacon Cheese Ball: 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.
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4.
For Salsa Cheese Ball: 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.
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5.
Can refrigerate up to two weeks. Serve with crackers.
Nutrition Facts
1/4 cup: 57 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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