The Ultimate Cheese Ball Recipes

THE ULTIMATE BACON RANCH CHEESE BALL

Steps:

• To a large mixing bowl, add cream cheese, sour cream (if using), ranch seasoning, garlic powder, minced onion, salt and pepper. Stir until well combined with a rubber spatula.
• Add 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, all of the pepper jack cheese, half of the bacon, and half the green onions. Stir until mixed.
• Lay out a large sheet of plastic wrap and drop cream cheese mixture onto it. Cover tightly on all sides, and shape into a ball shape. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight, until firm.
• Add remaining 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, remaining bacon and green onions to a small mixing bowl. Add in poppy seeds and refrigerate alongside the cheese ball.
• Before rolling the cheese ball, add pecans and stir well.
• Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and spread out the outer coating in an even layer.
• Remove plastic wrap and roll cheese ball in coating, making sure all sides are coated. You may have to pick up some of the coating and press it so it sticks.
• Serve immediately, or cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

ULTIMATE CHEESE PLATTER

Steps:

• Arrange the fig leaves in a single layer on a 16- to 18-inch diameter round board or platter.
• Place the grapes in the center of the board. Arrange the cheeses on the board around the grapes, cut sides facing out.
• Nestle the strawberries between two of the cheeses to create a block of color. Nestle the apricots between two of the cheeses, also creating a block of color. Transfer the fig jam to a bowl and place it on the board. Arrange the crackers on the board around the cheeses. If using, place the fig ball on the board, cut sides up.

ULTIMATE CHEESE BALL

Steps:

• In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Stir in the Swiss and cheddar cheeses, onion, bacon, pecans, pimientos, relish, salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour., In a small shallow bowl, combine the bacon, parsley, pecans and poppy seeds. Shape cheese mixture into a ball; roll in bacon mixture. Wrap in plastic; refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve with crackers.

ULTIMATE CHEESE BALL

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, green onions and dried beef. Form the mixture into a ball. Sprinkle with pecans. Chill in the refrigerator approximately 2 hours before serving.