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

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

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.

Editor's Note

Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils can burn skin. Avoid touching your face.

Nutrition Facts

1/4 cup: 57 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.

Originally published as Celebration Cheese Balls 3 Ways in Cooking for 2 Winter 2008

Reviews

Click stars to rate

Average Rating:

pollytaylor

Nov 26, 2017

I used to be in charge of making the cheese balls every year for the combo openhouse/Christmas party at a place I used to work. One year I made individual truffle sized cheese balls that went over quite well. But I bought several different types of cheese and each cheese ball was a different flavor cheese mixed with the cream cheese, and were then rolled in different things like herbs, nuts and spices.
pants11

Dec 15, 2014

I've made these several times and they are always a hit. I frequently get asked for the recipe. Delicious, festive and very easy to make!
BlessedOut

Jun 20, 2009

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!
chrismmcmaine

Jan 18, 2009

I only made the Pine Nut-Pesto ball and it was wonderful.