Festive Cheese Ball Recipes

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine two packages of cream cheese and blue cheese until smooth. In a another large bowl, combine two packages of cream cheese and cheddar cheese; set aside. In a third bowl, beat the remaining cream cheese until fluffy; add the onions and garlic., In a 2-qt. bowl lined with plastic wrap, layer each portion of cream cheese. Invert onto a serving platter; remove plastic wrap and shape into a ball. , With a sharp knife, score eight sections on the ball. Sprinkle each section with one of the toppings and press lightly. Serve with crackers.

Steps:

• In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add feta cheese and dressing mix; mix well. Shape into a ball. , In a small bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, bacon and dill weed; roll cheese ball in Parmesan mixture. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm. Serve with crackers.

Steps:

• Put the three cheeses in a food processor, and buzz until blended.
• Add the remaining ingredients -- except for the sunflower seeds and parsley -- and buzz to blend well.
• Put the cheese mixture in the fridge for two hours so it firms up.
• While cheese mixture chills, toast sunflower seeds until they are golden, then remove from pan and allow them to cool. Then stir together seeds and parsley. Set aside.
• Remove cheese mixture from fridge and shape into a ball or log (you may need to wear latex gloves to do this).
• Spread sunflower seeds and parsley on a sheet of waxed paper, and roll cheese ball/log in this combination.
• Serve with crackers, crudités and or small toasts.

Steps:

• Combine, cheeses, mayonnaise, worcestershire sauce, and salts. Blend until smooth. If too stiff add a bit more mayonaise. Add olives and shape into ball. Combine dried beef and fresh parsley and roll ball in the mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and chill. For a difference you can roll in crushed walnuts or pecans.
• Serve with crackers.
• Note - this is best with freshly grated cheese - not the package of pre-shredded stuff, the moisture content is needed.

Steps:

• Blend cream cheese, cheddar cheese, peppers, onion, Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice until well mixed.
• Shape into a round ball.
• If mixture is too soft to form, refrigerate.
• Roll in chopped nuts.
• Serve in centre of decorative plate, surrounded by an assortment of small, firm crackers or rusk.

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese and garlic until blended. Divide into three portions.
• Pine Nut-Pesto Cheeseball: In a small mixing bowl, 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 wrap; chill until firm.
• Horseradish-Bacon Cheeseball: In a small mixing bowl, beat one portion of cream cheese mixture and horseradish until blended. Stir in bacon and onion. Shape into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap; chill until firm.
• Salsa Cheeseball: In a small mixing bowl, beat one portion of cream cheese mixture, tomato paste and salt until blended. Stir in the cilantro, onion and jalapeno. Shape into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap; chill until firm.
• Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Serve with crackers.