Cheese Ball…

Well, on the sound of the cheese ball, you can only think that is something from the previous century. And you will be right. this dish is definitely Retro, in the full spectrum. It was popular party food in 1950s to 1970s. I am not sure if I would like them then, as much as I am intrigued by them today.  Definitely the quality of ingredients, and the amount of variations, make this dish have a great come back. As it turned out it is delicious party food, but not only. Perfect for all kind of family gatherings, holidays, or social engagements.  Made with all kinds of cheeses, so widely available today. Quick and easy. They can be sweet or savory.  Today I want to bring you a few  cleaned and updated  recipes, for a great  snack or appetizer… let us go exploring.

Gorgonzola cheese Ball

This Gorgonzola Cheese Ball Recipe with Caramelized Onions is perfect for any gathering and occasion, especially for the  holiday entertaining! It is easy and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 tsp Tabasco
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4–1/2 cup finely diced onion, caramelized (measure before cooking)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 2 tbsp scallion tops or parsley, chopped (optional)

Preparation:

Cook onions in a skillet over medium heat using 1 tsp. olive oil until dark golden brown. Stir frequently. Caramelization should take approximately 10 minutes. If the onion begin to burn add a splash of water, it will cook off. Cool onions to room temperature

Cream together cream cheese, Gorgonzola cheese, and Tabasco until thoroughly combined. (Use a handheld or stand mixer for easy blending). Mix cranberries and caramelized onions into cheese mixture until evenly combined. Place cheese mixture onto plastic wrap, pat and roll into a ball shape, wrap tightly, and refrigerate overnight.

Remove plastic wrap, reshape into ball, and roll in chopped nuts. (Roll in 2 Tbsp green scallion tops or parsley for extra color, if desired). Place cheese ball on serving tray and refrigerate until serving time. Serve with assorted crackers and/or celery and carrots.

Bacon Ranch Supreme Cheese Ball

This amazing  cheese ball recipe is  made with creamy ranch flavored cream cheese, and plenty of bacon, cheese, and other tasty add-ins. This appetizer is perfect for all bacon lovers. There is plenty of it here .

Ingredients:

• 16 oz cream cheese , room temperature
• 3 Tbsp sour cream (optional but recommended)
• 1 oz package ranch seasoning
• 3/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried minced onion
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/4 cups cheddar cheese , finely grated (divided)
• 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese , finely grated (divided)
• 8 slices bacon , cooked and crumbled (divided)
• 1/3 cup chopped green onions (divided)
• 2/3 cup chopped pecans
• 1 tsp poppy seeds

Preparations:

To a large mixing bowl, add cream cheese, sour cream (if using), ranch seasoning, garlic powder, chopped onion, salt and pepper.  Stir until well combined with a rubber spatula. Add 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, all of the pepper jack cheese, half of the bacon, and half the green onions.  Stir until mixed. Lay out a large sheet of plastic wrap and drop cream cheese mixture onto it.  Cover tightly on all sides, and shape into a ball shape.  Refrigerate for several hours or overnight, until firm.

Add remaining 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, remaining bacon, and green onions to a small mixing bowl.  Add in poppy seeds and refrigerate alongside the cheese ball. Before rolling the cheese ball, add pecans and stir well.

Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and spread out the outer coating in an even layer. Remove plastic wrap and roll cheese ball in coating, making sure all sides are coated.  You may have to pick up some of the coating and press it, so it sticks. Serve immediately or cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Cranberry Pistachio Bree Cheese Ball

Extraordinary in taste, thanks to usage of Blue cheese and Bree.  Sweet and crunchy. Just perfections. For any social gathering, or as a n appetizer for cheese loving people.

Ingredients:

1 package Cream cheese

6 oz Cranberries ; dried

1 cup Pistachio ; Nuts already shelled

1/2 cup Butter ; softened

2 oz Blue cheese ; crumbled

4 oz Brie ; rind removed

Preparations:

To start, please save  1 tablespoon of dried cranberries and pistachios for decoration. Bring Together remaining dried cranberries and pistachio nuts in a small bowl. Line a small round mixing bowl with plastic wrap.

Beat together cream cheese, butter, blue cheese, and Brie in a bowl until smooth. Spread 1/3 of cheese mixture evenly in the bottom of the plastic wrap-lined bowl. Layer 1/3 of the cranberry-nut mixture over the cheese. Layer cheese mixture with berry-nut mixture twice more, ending with a layer of cranberry-pistachio mixture.

Cover the bowl with more wrap, pressing the wrap down onto the spread to compress it. Refrigerate several hours or overnight. To serve, take plastic wrap off the top of the bowl and turn the layered dip out onto a serving dish. Remove remaining plastic wrap and sprinkle reserved cranberries and pistachios around the spread to garnish.

Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball

Sweet and savory at the same time. Delicious combination of flavors complementing each other in every bite. This fruity, and meatless cheese ball will be a star of any gathering.

Ingredients:

• 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, well drained
• 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 2 cups chopped pecans, divided
• Assorted crackers

Preparations:

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the pineapple, green pepper, onions, seasonings and 1/2 cup pecans. Place on a sheet of plastic wrap; shape into a ball. Refrigerate overnight. Just before serving, roll cheese ball in remaining pecans. Serve with crackers.

Pecan Cranberry Cheese Ball

This amazing  Pecan Cranberry Cheese Ball is a delightful blend of sweet (from the cranberries) and savory (from the cheddar cheese, chives, and garlic powder).

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup white cheddar cheese
• 1 cup dried cranberries, divided
• 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans (toasting optional), divided
• ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions, divided
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Crackers for serving ( any type you like)

Preparations:

To toast pecans, preheat oven to 375 F. Place chopped pecans on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, cheddar cheese, ½ cup of pecans, ½ cup of cranberries, chives or green onions and garlic powder until well combined. Place mixture in the center of a piece of wax paper and cover completely with wrap while forming into a ball shape. Place in fridge until ready to serve. Just before serving, combine remaining pecans, cranberries and 2 tablespoons chives or green onions on a flat surface. Unwrap cheese ball and roll in cranberry-pecan mixture. Serve with crackers of your choice and liking.

*Tip* If there is something you are not the fan of, from the ingredient list, feel free to substitute or try new combinations. Goat cheese works in place of cream cheese, and you can use walnuts or pistachios instead of pecans.

Jalapeño Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

This Jalapeño Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball is the perfect appetizer for any holiday or family celebration. It is delicious, only require  a few ingredients and you can make it ahead of time! Your friends and family will love it !

Ingredients:

• 8 slices bacon diced
• 1/4 cup almonds chopped (I use Smokehouse Almonds by Blue Diamond)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
• 2 8 oz. packages cream cheese room temperature
• 1 1/4 cup shredded sharp yellow cheddar cheese
• 1  1 oz package Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning and Salad Dressing Mix
• 1/4 cup finely chopped jalapenos
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

Preparations:

Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium high heat until crisp. Remove to paper towel lined plate. Once cool, chop into small pieces. In a small bowl, mix half of the bacon with the chopped almonds and parsley. Set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Ranch seasoning mix, jalapenos and cayenne pepper and the remaining bacon. Place mixture in a bowl and cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove the mixture from the refrigerator and shape into a ball using wax paper to prevent the mixture from sticking. Roll the ball in the mixture of bacon, almonds, and parsley. Place on a platter and serve with crackers and fresh grapes.

Fig and Goat Cheese Ball

This Fig and Goat Cheese Ball is so perfect for any holiday gathering. It only requires 4 ingredients: Cream cheese, goat cheese, fig preserves, and walnuts! It is also really easy to whip it up in a food processor, ahead of time. I love the tangy taste of goat cheese in the combination with the sweetness of the figs.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces plain cream cheese
• 5 ounces goat cheese
• 1/3 cup fig preserves
• approx. 1 cup chopped walnuts
• crackers and/or sliced apples

Preparations:

Add the goat cheese, cream cheese, and fig preserves to the bowl of a food processor. Blend until smooth and well mixed  (be careful not to overdo it,  because the mixture will get too liquid y).

Place a sheet of plastic wrap on the counter. Use a spatula to transfer the mixture in a pile in the middle of the plastic wrap. Wrap up the sides, forming the mixture into a ball shape. Place onto a plate and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, if not overnight.

Add the walnuts to a shallow bowl. Remove the plastic wrap and gently place the ball into the walnuts, gently rotating it to coat with the walnuts. Place onto a serving dish or cheese board. Fill in any gaps with additional walnuts by hand. Serve with crackers.

Sriracha Cheddar Cheese Ball

No party is perfect without a cheese ball. Spice up your next gathering with this wonderful simple Sriracha Cheddar Cheese Ball recipe. Your friends will thank you!

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese (or full fat if you prefer)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 tablespoons sriracha hot sauce divided
• 8 green onions thinly sliced, divided

Preparations:

Soften cream cheese in the  room temperature. Whisk together cream cheese, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, two tablespoons of  Sriracha, and half the green onions until well combined.

Cover bowl of cream cheese mixture with plastic wrap, and place in refrigerator for at least an hour until firm. Transfer cream cheese to a large piece of plastic wrap. (I use the same piece I used to cover the bowl.) Use the plastic wrap to mold the cheese into a ball, and then unwrap it.

In a large, flat bowl, stir together remaining cheddar cheese, one tablespoon of Sriracha, and green onions. Roll cheese ball in the Sriracha cheddar mixture until evenly coated. Place cheese ball back in refrigerator covered loosely with plastic wrap until ready to serve with crackers.

Reuben Cheese Ball

All of the things you love about a classic Reuben sandwich make up this Holiday Reuben Cheese Ball!  Corned Beef, Sauerkraut, Swiss Cheese with cream cheese, coated in a pecan outside.  Just waiting to be served up on mini rye slices or crackers. 

Ingredients:

• 12 -16 oz  Corned Beef, cooked and chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1/2 cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped
• 1/4 cup sweet pickle, chopped
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 Tablespoon ketchup
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Preparation:

In a mixing bowl, whip together cream cheese, garlic, and ketchup until smooth. Gradually mix in pickle, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Corned Beef. In a small bowl, combine chopped pecans, chopped parsley and paprika. Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on your counter. Put half of the pecan mixture in the middle. Form one big ball with the cheese mixture. Place on the nuts. Sprinkle the rest over the top. Using your hands press the nuts into the cheeseball carefully, until it is all covered. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Serve with mini rye bread slices, rye crackers, Thousand Island Dressing and sweet pickles.

Bacon, Cheddar and Swiss Cheese Ball

What can be better than Cheddar cheese ball? Well, swiss, cheddar and bacon all together in one delicious cheese ball!

Ingredients:

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup crumbled cooked bacon (about 12 strips), divided
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted, divided
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 jar (2 ounces) diced pimientos, drained
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• Assorted crackers

Preparations:

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Stir in shredded cheeses, 1/2 cup bacon, 1/4 cup pecans, onion, pimientos, pickle relish, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate, covered, at least 1 hour. In a small bowl, mix parsley, poppy seeds and remaining bacon and pecans. Spread half the parsley mixture on a large plate. Shape half the cheese mixture into a ball; roll in parsley mixture to coat evenly. Cover. Repeat. Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Serve with crackers.

*Tip* To toast nuts, bake in a shallow pan in a 350° oven for 5-10 minutes or cook in a skillet over low heat until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.

Bacon & Smoked Gouda Cheese Ball

This nut free cheese ball full of smoked Gouda and rolled in yummy bacon. In 10 minutes, you can take a picture-perfect ball that everybody will love. If you want to add some nuts, go ahead. Its fully adjustable and optional. Will be delicious one way or another.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups smoked Gouda grated
• 10-15 grinds black pepper use smallest setting on the grinder
• 1 Tbsp. bacon crumbles
• 1/2 tsp. minced chives
• 1/8 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes
• ½ cup of pecans ( for the nut version)

Preparations:

In a medium mixing bowl use a fork to mash all ingredients except bacon/pecans to roll the cheese ball in. Use a spatula to scrape the cheese mixture out unto a large piece of cling wrap. Use your hands to mold the cheese into a ball inside of the plastic wrap. If you have time, refrigerate the ball for an hour or so to firm it up. If not proceed to the next step. Tenderly unmold the cling wrap from the ball and place it on a bed of bacon or pecans. Roll the ball until every side is covered in the coating. If there are a few bare spots press bacon in gently to cover. Roll Ball In  the bacon crumbles or chopped pecans, or both of them together. Serve with a variety of crackers.

Mediterranean Feta  Cheese ball  

All the amazing flavors of Mediterranean, locked together in one delicious cheese creation.  The freshness of herbs, the saltiness of the Greek Feta cheese. Just heaven.

Ingredients:

• 4 oz room-temperature Imported Neufchâtel cheese
• 4 oz room-temperature Imported Feta cheese
• 2 oz. cooked bacon chopped
• 3 tbsp finely chopped parsley
• 2 oz of chopped olives ( optional)
• 2 tbsp oregano leaves
• Black pepper to taste
• 1/8 tsp red pepper Flakes
• 3/4 cup chopped toasted pine nuts

Preparations:

In a saucepan over medium heat, add pine nuts and stir until lightly toasted. Let cool and set aside. Process Neufchâtel cheese and Feta in a food processor until smooth. Pulse in bacon, 1/2 of parsley, oregano leaves and red pepper flakes. Season with black pepper. Spoon into a small plastic wrap-lined bowl; gather up plastic around cheese, shaping into a ball. Chill until firm, 3-4 hours. Unwrap cheese ball and roll in remaining herbs and toasted pine nuts just before serving. Serve with pita chips.

Spicy Blue Cheese Ball

Sharp taste of the Blue cheese coated in a spicy  and crumbly nut layer. Seems very fancy and sophisticated, when in fact is extremely easy to make.  Your guests will be  enchanted, and everybody will love the flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 – 6 oz of good quality Crumbled Blue Cheese
• 2 – 8 oz. Bars Cream Cheese
• ½ Cup Almonds pieces
• ½ Cup Walnut pieces
• 1 Tbsp Cayenne
• ½ Tbsp Paprika
• Seeded Crackers ( or any of your liking)

Preparations:

Mix cream cheese in mixing bowl until soft. Fold in Alouette Crumbled Blue Cheese and mix, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Form the cheese mixture into a ball and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (overnight is best). Place almonds, walnuts, cayenne, and paprika in a food processor and chop for a few seconds to mix spices well. Remove cheese ball from refrigerator and coat with the spiced nut mixture. Serve with your favorite gourmet crackers.

Jalapeño Peach sweet cheese ball

This scarry looking cheese dish, its great not only for the spookiest of holidays  – the Halloween. The coating of black sesame seeds, maybe intimidating, but I can assure you, the taste is oh soooo inviting.

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 3/4 cup peach preserves
• 1 jalapeno (diced)
• 1/8 cup chives (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup black sesame seeds

Preparations:

Let the cream cheese to soften to room temperature. While it is softening, place the peach jam in a small saucepan. Dice the jalapenos, leaving in as many seeds as preferred ( If you want the cheese ball to be less spicy, remove all of the seeds and ribs of the jalapenos). Add the diced peppers to the peach jam and heat on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Set aside and allow to completely cool.

In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, cooled peach mixture, chives, and salt. When they are entirely combined, place it on a plastic wrap. Wrap the plastic wrap around the pile of cheese and twist the ends of the plastic wrap to form the mixture into a tight ball. Flip around so that the twisted wrap is on the bottom and place in the refrigerator for about 1 hour or up to 1 day. Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and carefully remove the plastic wrap. Coat the cheese ball in the black sesame seeds using your hands or by rolling in a bowl filled with the seeds. Place on a serving tray. Serve alongside dark crackers to complete the spooky look.

Dill Pickle Cheese Ball

This Easy Dill Pickle Cheese Ball can be prepared in about  10 minutes. Great for entertaining on any occasion; or even without one. The taste of it does not need a holiday, to be enjoyed.  Dill pickles, cream cheese, and then rolled in fresh dill greens.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces cream cheese softened
• ½ cup mayo
• ½ tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. onion flakes
• ½ tsp. dried dill weed
• couple dashes hot sauce
• 1 tsp. white wine vinegar
• 3 dill pickle spears chopped about ⅔ cup
• 4 ounces cheddar cheese shredded
• handful of freshly chopped dill
• rye crackers

Preparations:

Blend softened cream cheese and mayo with hand mixer or food processor. Add garlic powder, onion flakes, dried dill, hot sauce, vinegar and mix well. Add chopped dill pickle spears and shredded cheddar cheese and mix till thoroughly incorporated. Shape into ball and secure tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least one hour prior to rolling in dill weed. Place back in fridge and chill at least 1 more hour. Serve with rye crackers, chips or even veggies

Port Wine Cheese Ball

Very original in the flavor,  due to the Port Wine, this cheese ball appetizer is a definitely retro dish, brought back to life.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 8 oz fine grated sharp cheddar freshly shredded
• 8 oz cream cheese
• ⅓ cup port wine
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• ½ tsp seasoned salt
• parchment paper
• crackers or apple slices to serve with

Preparations:

Set oven to 350 degrees. Bake 1 cup sliced almond on baking dish for 5 minutes or until toasted. Set aside. In a food processor, blend together 8oz sharp cheddar, 8oz cream cheese, ⅓ cup port wine, 1 tbs Worcestershire sauce, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, and ½ seasoned salt. Pulse until completely mixed and smooth. Using a spatula, transfer cheese mixture into a food storage container for 2 or more hours for the cheese to firm. Once solid, cut a piece of parchment paper and empty the mixture in center of parchment paper. Form into a ball. You can use the parchment paper to help you form the ball. Cut an additional piece of parchment paper. Place toasted almond slices on parchment paper. Roll the cheese ball in the toasted almonds until it is completely covered with the toasted almonds. Serve with sliced apples or your favorite crackers.

Mexican Flavor cheese ball

This easy creamy Mexican flavored ball that can be eaten with chips or sliced veggies. If you are looking for a holiday appetizer this is one you can make ahead of time and you can serve it with green and red bell peppers for holiday style.

Ingredients:

• 2 (8-oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 (4-oz) can of Old El Paso diced green chiles, drained
• 1 (1-oz) package Old El Paso taco seasoning
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions (about 2 green onions)
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 1 cup crushed tortilla chips (about 3 cups whole)
• Tortillas chips and sliced red and green bell pepper for serving

Preparations:

In a food processor, add the cream cheese, shredded cheese, diced green chilies, taco seasoning, green onions, and lime juice. Pulse well until ingredients are completely combined. Line a bowl with plastic wrap. Spoon the mixture on top of the plastic wrap and wrap completely forming a ball. Chill in the fridge (or the freezer for faster chilling) for at least an hour until ball is firm. In a food processor, crush chips until fine. Unwrap  ball from plastic wrap and roll in the crushed chips. Cut slices with a knife and serve with chips and bell peppers.