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Celebration Cheese Balls

Name: Celebration Cheese Balls
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 3 cheese balls (1 cup each).
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

2 reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. + chilling

Makes

3 cheese balls (1 cup each)

Updated: Oct. 24, 2022

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 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Celebration Cheese Balls

Ingredients

Directions

Nutrition Facts

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