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3-in-1 Cheese Ball

2 reviews
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time

Prep: 30 min. + chilling

Makes

3 large cheese balls (about 1 cup each)

Updated: Mar. 03, 2022
Three incredible cheese balls with the flavors of pesto, horseradish-bacon and Gorgonzola make a dazzling display at any get-together. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
3-in-1 Cheese Ball
3-in-1 Cheese Ball Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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Ingredients

  • 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • PESTO CHEESE BALL:
  • 2 tablespoons prepared pesto
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
  • HORSERADISH-BACON CHEESE BALL:
  • 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
  • 1 green onion, finely chopped
  • GORGONZOLA-CRANBERRY CHEESE BALL:
  • 1/3 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
  • FOR SERVING:
  • Miniature pretzels, cooked bacon, dried cranberries, basil leaves and green onion, optional
  • Assorted crackers

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, Parmesan cheese and garlic until blended. Divide into 3 portions; place each in a small bowl.
  2. For Pesto Cheese Ball: Beat pesto into 1 portion of cheese mixture. Stir in basil. Shape into a ball.
  3. For Horseradish-Bacon Cheese Ball: Beat horseradish into second portion of cheese mixture. Stir in bacon and green onion. Shape into 1 large or 3 mini balls.
  4. For Gorgonzola-Cranberry Cheese Ball: Beat Gorgonzola cheese into third portion of cheese mixture. Stir in cranberries. Shape into a ball; roll in walnuts to coat.
  5. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour or until firm. Decorate as desired. Serve with crackers.

Nutrition Facts

2 tablespoons (calculated without optional decorations and crackers): 94 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 157mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.