Three incredible cheese balls with the flavors of pesto, horseradish-bacon and Gorgonzola make a dazzling display at any get-together. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Ingredients
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- pesto cheese ball:
- 2 tablespoons prepared pesto
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
- horseradish-bacon cheese ball:
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- gorgonzola-cranberry cheese ball:
- 1/3 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
- for serving:
- Miniature pretzels, cooked bacon, dried cranberries, basil leaves and green onion, optional
- Assorted crackers
Directions
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, Parmesan cheese and garlic until blended. Divide into 3 portions; place each in a small bowl.
- <b>For Pesto Cheese Ball:</b> Beat pesto into 1 portion of cheese mixture. Stir in basil. Shape into a ball.
- <b>For Horseradish-Bacon Cheese Ball:</b> Beat horseradish into second portion of cheese mixture. Stir in bacon and green onion. Shape into 1 large or 3 mini balls.
- <b>For Gorgonzola-Cranberry Cheese Ball:</b> Beat Gorgonzola cheese into third portion of cheese mixture. Stir in cranberries. Shape into a ball; roll in walnuts to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour or until firm. Decorate as desired. Serve with crackers.
