3-in-1 Cheese Ball

Name: 3-in-1 Cheese Ball
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 3 large cheese balls (about 1 cup each).
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

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 30 min. + chilling YIELD: 3 large cheese balls (about 1 cup each).

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

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.