Holiday Cheese Ball



 Cheese balls for Holiday entertaining are easy to make and versatile to use. It's a nice addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas celebrations.  The same recipe can be made into a ball, log, Christmas shape such as a tree or candy cane or put into a pretty dish and used as a spread. If making them into a ball or log, roll in chopped nuts, or chopped parsley or a combination of both. The one I made today, I will roll in chopped pecans as that is our preference. If rolling into a shape you will need to chill it an hour or so as it needs to set up a little. If you waited too long and it is too cold to roll just  allow it set out for a few minutes. 
 We vary the original recipe as I add dry sherry and olives instead of green peppers. I cut back on the worcestershire sauce using the sherry as a replacement.
Cheese Ball 
yield: 3/4 pound ball
1 (8 ounce package cream cheese (softened) The fat free does not work as well
4 ounces grated cheddar cheese (let set for 10 minutes after grating) *
1/2 to 1 Tablespoon finely diced pimiento stuffed green olives
1/4 teaspoon onion powder or 1/2 tablespoon finely chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice **
1/2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce (if not using the sherry increase to 1 teaspoon)
1 teaspoon dry sherry (optional)
Dash cayenne pepper
Pecans finely chopped
  Cream cheeses together until well blended. Add other ingredients except pecans; mix well. Put on a piece of waxed paper and form into ball shape, chill for one to two hours.  Now roll in the chopped pecans using your hands if necessary to make them stick. Put on a pretty plate and cover with plastic wrap and return to the refrigerator until ready to serve. Take out about 10 minutes before hand to soften a little. Serve with a nice selection of crackers. If you use Gluten Free crackers all Celiacs and wheat free people can eat it also. 

* Grate your own. It is cheaper per ounce and the flavor is so much better. Simple box graters work the best and can be bought at most grocery stores.


**This is where that frozen lemon juice you have saved comes in so handy.

5 comments:

  1. It seems that this would make a tasty light meal. I've never used dry sherry in a cheese ball but think I will now. Thank you, Myrna.

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    Replies
    1. Denise, I am a big fan of Cheese Balls so this is a favorite of mine. The Sherry is excellent in it, but it is also very good without it.

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  2. We have to take something to a party next weekend. I might make this. Thanks for the recipe.

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