Servings: 12 cheese balls
Calories: 120kcal
Equipment
- large bowl
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 scallions green onions chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Coatings
- 1/2 cup diced red bell peppers
- 1/2 cup diced green bell peppers
- 1/4 cup chopped chives
- 1/2 cup crushed pecans or walnuts
- 1 cup shredded cheese your choice
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup crushed crackers seasoned if desired
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 12 pieces pretzel sticks
- 1/4 cup herb stems e.g., thyme or rosemary
- 1/2 cup tiny vegetable slices e.g., cucumbers or radishes
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella, green onions, red bell pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Cover the cheese mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
- Once chilled, scoop out small portions and roll them into 1-inch diameter balls.
- Arrange chosen coatings in small bowls for mixing.
- Roll each cheese ball in your desired toppings until fully coated.
- Insert a pretzel stick, herb stem, or tiny vegetable slice into the top of each cheese ball for a festive touch.
- Refrigerate the finished cheese balls for at least 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easy blending. Uniform sizes help them chill evenly. Letting the cheese balls chill helps them firm up and develop flavors.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cheese ball | Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 200mg | Potassium: 100mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 500IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 0.5mg
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