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–+ servings

Colorful Cheese Balls

These cheese balls are perfect for making ahead and only need a sprinkle of colorful spices, seeds, or nuts to make them party-ready.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8 Yields

Ingredients
  

Blue Cheese-Bacon

  • 4 oz. cream cheese
  • 2 oz. crumbled blue cheese
  • 3 1/2 Tbsp. crumbled cooked bacon (2 tbsp. for coating)
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp. fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • 1 chopped scallion
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh chives, chopped (for coating)

Smoky Cheddar-Pecan

  • 4 oz. cream cheese
  • 3 Tbsp. toasted pecans, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp. paprika
  • 1/4 tsp. Freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 oz. smoked cheddar cheese
  • 1/3 cup toasted pecans, chopped (for coating)
  • 1/2 tsp. paprika (for coating)
  • 1/8 tsp. freshly ground back pepper (for coating)

Pepperoncini-Feta

  • 4 oz. cream cheese
  • 1 small shallot, chopped
  • 2 Tbsp. pepperoncini peppers, chopped
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp. fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tsp. fresh oregano, chopped
  • 1 tsp. lemon zest
  • 1 small grated garlic clove
  • 4 oz. Crumbled feta
  • 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped (for coating)
  • Crackers, crostini, assorted crudités for serving

Instructions
 

  • Blue Cheese-Bacon. Beat cream cheese and crumbled blue cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until combined, 1 to 2 minutes. Beat in 1 1/2 tablespoons crumbled cooked bacon, fresh flat-leaf parsley, and scallion until evenly combined. With wet hands, shape mixture into a ball. Combine fresh chives and 2 tablespoons crumbled cooked bacon on a plate. Roll cheese ball in chive mixture to coat. Cover and chill at least 4 hours or up to 2 days.
  • Smoky Cheddar-Pecan. Beat cream cheese, 3 tablespoons chopped toasted pecans, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper with an electric mixer on medium speed until combined, 1 to 2 minutes. Add smoked Cheddar cheese, beating just until combined, 30 seconds to 1 minute. With wet hands, shape mixture into a ball. Combine 1/3 cup chopped toasted pecans, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper on a plate. Roll cheese ball in pecan mixture to coat. Cover and chill at least 4 hours or up to 2 days, if desired.
  • Pepperoncini-Feta. Beat cream cheese, shallot, pepperoncini peppers, basil, oregano, lemon zest, and garlic clove with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy, 1 to 2 minutes. Add crumbled Feta, beating just until combined, 1 to 2 minutes. With wet hands, shape mixture into a ball. Spread fresh flat-leaf parsley on a plate. Roll cheese ball in parsley to coat. Cover and chill 4 hours or up to 2 days, if desired.
Keyword Colorful Cheese Balls
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