Cheese Ball

I looooooove finger foods!! I enjoy going to parties especially holiday parties not only for the socializing, but to enjoy the yummy finger foods. Cheese ball is one of my all time favorites! There are so many cheese ball recipes. I will be sharing a couple family recipes as well as a one I found on the Internet.

I will start by sharing the most simple yet delicious cheese ball. It is a family recipe passed down from my Aunt. This cheese ball is great for entertaining especially when in a time crunch to prepare food, but it is also just a great snack to have in the fridge. My roommate and I make one of these about once a week and keep it in the fridge to snack on.

Now for all of the cheese balls I prefer wheat thins over Ritz or vegetable crackers, but only because they are stronger and do not break as easily.

Super Easy Cheese Ball

Ingredients:
1 8oz whipped cream cheese
1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon of lemon juice1 table spoon of Worcestershire sauce

Start by letting the cream cheese soften. I found the best way to do that is sit it in the window seal for a few minutes. I do not like the way it makes the cream cheese taste if you put it in the microwave. I use whipped cream cheese because it gives the cheese ball a creamier texture. This helps to keep the crackers from breaking while dipping too. While the cream cheese softens shred one cup of cheddar cheese. I have used store bought shredded cheese before, but it does not taste the same as fresh grated. It kind of disintegrates if you use store bought shredded cheese. Now mash the cream cheese in a bowl and mix all items together thoroughly. Then take the mixture and shape into a ball with hands. Dip with wheat thins and enjoy!

Mom's Cheese Ball

Ingredients:
1 8oz whipped cream cheese
1 ranch dressing packet mix
1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
1/2 of onion
1/2 of bell pepper
1 package of real bacon bits

Soften cream cheese. Mash cream cheese in a medium bowl. Shred 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese. Chop onion and bell pepper finely. Add shredded cheese, ranch pack, onion, bell pepper, and bacon bits to the bowl of cream cheese. Mix thoroughly. With hands shape into a ball and roll in the pecans. Cover the ball completely with the pecans. This will provide you with a richer cheese ball, that is delicious!!

I stumbled upon the next cheese ball at:

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Dec-20-Wed-2006/living/11388579.html

Seasoned Pepper Cheese Ball

INGREDIENTS
2 Package Cream cheese
1 Packet(s) Hidden Valley Ranch powdered ranch dressing
1 Jar(s) Lawry's Seasoned Pepper
1 Box(s) Wheat Thins
PREPARATION

Allow cream cheese to soften. Combine ranch dressing with both cream cheese packages. Shape the cream cheese/ranch dressing mixture into a ball. Cover the cheese ball in a layer of seasoned pepper. Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap & refrigerate until ready to use.

Now this ball has a little more kick to it with the pepper. It is delicious though!

The next one is also another great family recipe.

Pineapple Cheese ball

Ingredients:

1 8 oz whipped cream cheese

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 small can of drained pineapple pieces

2 packages of Splenda

Soften the cream cheese. Mash in bowl. Shred the cheddar cheese. Drain the can of pineapple pieces thoroughly. Add all the ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Shape into ball shape.

The pineapple and Splenda gives this ball a sweet taste!

All of these balls are smaller because we have a small family. However, they can easily be doubled and made for larger crowds.

I hope you try all of these cheese balls and love them as much as I do!!!

Happy Cookin' :)