Surprise Cheese Ball Food

NAME THIS DISH CHEESE BALL

Steps:

• Cook the bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just starting to crisp but still pliable, about 5 minutes. Remove 1 slice to a paper towel-lined plate. Continue cooking the remaining bacon until browned and crisp, 2 to 3 more minutes; remove to the plate. Halve the slice of less-cooked bacon lengthwise. Finely chop the remaining bacon.
• Beat the cream cheese in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the cheddar, scallions, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, a pinch of salt and the chopped bacon; beat until combined. Refrigerate until slightly firm, about 30 minutes.
• Form the cheese mixture into 3 balls (about 2 inches, 2 1/2 inches and 3 inches). Refrigerate until firm, at least 30 more minutes.
• Meanwhile, freeze the Monterey jack cheese 1 hour (this will make it less clumpy when grated). Grate the cheese on the small holes of a box grater. Gently press all over the cheese balls to coat completely. Put the 3-inch cheese ball on a small serving plate; insert a 4-inch wooden skewer into the middle. Stack the 2 1/2-inch and 2-inch balls on top, securing on the skewer.
• Press the currants into the top cheese ball for eyes; add a carrot nose. Use the halved bacon to make a scarf and add rosemary sprigs for arms. Place the pretzel crisp on top for a hat brim. Cut off about one-third of the olive so that it sits flat; place on top of the pretzel crisp for the hat. Serve with more pretzel crisps.

MINI CHEESE BALLS

Steps:

• Mix 8 ounces softened cream cheese with 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest and 1 cup shredded firm cheese (like cheddar, parmesan, pepper jack or gouda); season with salt and pepper. With moistened hands, form into 1-inch balls, chill 4 hours, then roll in toppings. Here we used chopped pistachios, chives, tarragon, hulled pumpkin seeds, bacon with paprika, almonds, and black and white sesame seeds.

SWEET CHEESE BALL

Steps:

• In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Beat in the coconut and cherries. Shape into a ball; roll in pecans. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Serve with fruit.

SALMON SURPRISE BALLS

Steps:

• Make Optional Sauce by mixing all ingredients for sauce together, chill till ready to serve. You can use your favorite dipping sauces.
• In a food processor place all salmon ball ingredients except, cheese and panko crumbs. Pulse 3-4 times till chunky smooth.
• Divide the salmon mixture into 12. Place each 1 section of the mixture in hand and put cube of cheese on the salmon encasing the cheese with the mixture to form a ball. Repeat with all 12. Roll in panko crumbs.
• Heat 2-3 inches of oil in a deep heavy pot to 350-375 degrees.
• Place 6 rolls in and cook for 3 minutes. remove to paper towel to drain. Regulating the heat if necessary to keep that oil temperature between 350 and 375 degrees F.
• Fry the remaining 6 and drain on paper towel.
• Serve with dipping sauce and enjoy the gooey center.
• Don`t overcook!

PARTY CHEESE BALL

Steps:

• 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.

CREAM CHEESE BALL SURPRISE

Steps:

• Soften cream cheese.
• Mix softened cream cheese, orange juice concentrate, craisins in bowl.
• Form mixture into ball using your hands.
• Roll in chopped walnuts.
• Refrigerate until ready to serve.

CHEESE BALL SURPRISE

Steps:

• Place cheddar and cream cheese at room temperature for about 1 hour to soften.
• In a bowl mix Heinz 57 sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder until well blended.
• Add cheese and roll into ball shape.
• Shake chili powder onto waxed paper and roll ball until covered.
• Repeat this step with chopped pecans until covered.
• Place immeadiately into refrigerator to chill to keep ball shape.
• Serve with party crackers.