Cheese Balls Three Ways
Elevate your appetizer game with these irresistible "Cheese Balls Three Ways," a versatile and flavor-packed trio perfect for any occasion. Each cheese ball brings its own unique twist: the Garlic Herb Cheese Ball bursts with savory herbs and tangy cheddar, the Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Ball packs a zesty kick with jalapeños and crispy bacon, and the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball offers a delightful balance of sweetness and crunch with dried cranberries and pecans. Crafted with creamy, seasoned cream cheese, each ball is rolled in its distinctive coating for a show-stopping presentation. Ready in just 20 minutes with no cooking required, this recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, game-day spreads, or elegant dinner parties. Serve alongside a platter of crackers and crisp veggies for an appetizer that’s guaranteed to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp jalapeño peppers, finely chopped
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 cup bacon bits
- 1 cup cranberries, dried and chopped
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- crackers, for serving
- vegetables (optional, for serving)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, divide the cream cheese into three equal portions (around 5.3 oz per portion) and soften at room temperature.
For the Garlic Herb Cheese Ball: Mix one portion of cream cheese with the shredded cheddar, garlic powder, dried parsley, dried dill, and green onions. Stir until well combined. Form into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate.
For the Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Ball: Mix one portion of cream cheese with the chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, and bacon bits. Stir until well combined. Form into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate.
For the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball: Mix one portion of cream cheese with the chopped dried cranberries and half of the chopped pecans. Stir until well combined. Form into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate.
After at least 1 hour of refrigeration, roll the Garlic Herb Cheese Ball in the remaining parsley for a garnish.
Roll the Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Ball in additional bacon bits for a crunchy coating.
Roll the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball in the remaining chopped pecans for a festive look.
Place the cheese balls on a serving platter alongside crackers and optional vegetables. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4012 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 306.6 g | 393% | |
| Saturated Fat | 127.7 g | 638% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 21.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 578 mg | 193% | |
| Sodium | 6843 mg | 298% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 242.3 g | 88% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 37.5 g | 134% | |
| Total Sugars | 143.2 g | ||
| Protein | 108.0 g | 216% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 1552 mg | 119% | |
| Iron | 8.8 mg | 49% | |
| Potassium | 1935 mg | 41% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
