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!

Nutriscore Rating: 46/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 12

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
• 0 crackers, for serving
• 0 vegetables (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, divide the cream cheese into three equal portions (around 5.3 oz per portion) and soften at room temperature.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

After at least 1 hour of refrigeration, roll the Garlic Herb Cheese Ball in the remaining parsley for a garnish.

Step 6

Roll the Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Ball in additional bacon bits for a crunchy coating.

Step 7

Roll the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball in the remaining chopped pecans for a festive look.

Step 8

Place the cheese balls on a serving platter alongside crackers and optional vegetables. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1138.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4011.8

Total Fat 306.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 127.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 21.8g
Cholesterol 578.1mg	0%
Sodium 6843.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 242.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 37.5g	0%
Total Sugars 143.2g
Protein 108.0g	0%

Vitamin D 24IU	0%
Calcium 1552.4mg	0%
Iron 8.8mg	0%
Potassium 1935.4mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 66.3%

Protein: 10.4%

Carbs: 23.3%