Party Cheese Ball

photo by:kraft

Known to frequent holiday open houses, this creamy appetizer with a nutty exterior doesn't stick around long. Which is exactly why you'll want to keep this recipe handy.

time

prep:

15 min

total:

3 hr 15 min

servings

total:

24 servings, 2 Tbsp. each

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What You Need

pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened

pkg. (8 oz.) KRAFT Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Tbsp. finely chopped onions

Tbsp. chopped red bell peppers

tsp. Worcestershire sauce

tsp. lemon juice

Dash ground red pepper (cayenne)

cup chopped PLANTERS Pecans, toasted

Make It

BEAT cream cheese and cheddar in small bowl with mixer until blended.

ADD all remaining ingredients except nuts; mix well. Refrigerate several hours.

SHAPE into ball; roll in nuts. Serve with RITZ Crackers.

Kraft Kitchens Tips

Variation

Prepare by reducing the amount of Cheddar cheese to 1/2 cup and using PHILADELPHIA 1/3 Less Fat than Cream Cheese and KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese. In addition, coat the cheese ball with chopped fresh parsley instead of chopped nuts.

Substitute

Substitute pimentos for the red bell peppers and/or toasted chopped PLANTERS Slivered Almonds or finely chopped fresh parsley for the nuts.

Variation

Mix cream cheese mixture as directed; shape into log or 24 small balls, each about 1 inch in diameter. Roll in nuts until evenly coated. Serve as directed.

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Deecooks4all

posted:12/14/2006

Easy to make and so good! My husband thought that I had bought it at a store! I took out the bell pepper, no one here likes them, added a touch more red pepper, and used finely chopped ALMONDS instead of the nuts called for. I also used onion powder instead of the chopped onions! This keeps it a nice and creamy spread loved by ALL!! We had it for the first time on Thanksgiving, and now I'll be making it for our Christmas party. ENJOY!!

mairella

posted:12/10/2006

Very easy to make, I left out the bell pepper (personal taste) and zested it up with more red pepper.

krisnicnel

posted:11/25/2006

A HUGE hit on thanksgiving! Makes two large balls, so only make half the recipe if its for yourself. I doubled the amount of onion and peppers, and the worchestershire sauce gives it a bacony flavor (so leave it out or add bacon bits!!!)

a cook

posted:11/25/2006

It was so easy to make ahead and store. The whole family enjoyed it including the kids.

elimarie1

posted:11/25/2006

The perfect cheese appetizer. I didn't make the ball shape or roll in nuts, I just served it in a dish to save on time. It was wonderful. We all loved it. I made half of it with chopped ham as well, which was also good. I will definitely make it again, and I cannot wait to try it with summer sausage.

sconway3

posted:8/15/2006

Very easy and delicious

cookingchick18

posted:3/8/2006

This was a very good recipe! The family loves it!!!!

lgmomrn

posted:12/1/2005

very easy, loved by all

1azpat

posted:11/22/2005

This recipe was is in a Kraft Recipe book that I purchased about 25 years ago and I have been making this cheese ball for years for entertaining and for Christmas gifts. There are people, i.e. my boss, that depends on getting this cheese ball for Christmas. I am expected to make this cheese ball for our Christmas 'snacking' at work and for our family gatherings. Since I am not a good cook, this recipe has done wonders for my 'cooking' ego.

lindabobco

posted:11/19/2005

My friend's Dad made this 30 years ago. To the best of my recollection it came off a Kraft Cracker Barrel Cheddar cheese recipe. I've been making it for years and everyone LOVES it! I use sharp cheddar and dice pimento stuffed green olives into the mix. I also slice some to decorate the outside. I find rolling it into a log actually works best. Bon Appetit!