Basil Cheese Ball Recipes

FRESH BASIL-WRAPPED CHEESE BALLS

Steps:

• In small bowl, mix cheeses and pepper until blended. Cover; refrigerate about 30 minutes or until firm enough to shape into balls.
• For each appetizer, shape 1 1/2 teaspoons cheese mixture into a ball; roll slightly to form an oval, about 1 inch long. Place on wide end of basil leaf; roll up. Roll leaf and cheese between fingers to form an oval. Repeat with remaining cheese mixture and basil leaves.
• Serve immediately, or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate no longer than 24 hours.

CELEBRATION CHEESE BALLS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, Parmesan cheese and garlic until blended. Divide into three portions. , For Pine Nut-Pesto Cheese Ball: Beat one portion of cream cheese mixture and pesto until blended. Stir in basil. Chop 2 tablespoons pine nuts; stir into cheese mixture. Shape into a ball; roll in remaining pine nuts. Wrap in plastic; chill until firm. , For Horseradish-Bacon Cheese Ball: Beat one portion of cream cheese mixture and horseradish until blended. Stir in bacon and onion. Shape into a ball. Wrap in plastic; chill until firm., For Salsa Cheese Ball: Beat one portion of cream cheese mixture, tomato paste and salt until blended. Stir in cilantro, onion and jalapeno. Shape into a ball. Wrap in plastic; chill until firm. , Can refrigerate up to two weeks. Serve with crackers.

3-IN-1 CHEESE BALL

Steps:

• In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, Parmesan cheese and garlic until blended. Divide into 3 portions; place each in a small bowl., For Pesto Cheese Ball: Beat pesto into 1 portion of cheese mixture. Stir in basil. Shape into a ball., For Horseradish-Bacon Cheese Ball: Beat horseradish into second portion of cheese mixture. Stir in bacon and green onion. Shape into 1 large or 3 mini balls., For Gorgonzola-Cranberry Cheese Ball: 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.

PECAN-BASIL CHEESE BALL

Steps:

• In the bowl of a food processor, pulse cheddar cheese, cream cheese, basil, honey, salt and pepper in a food processor until smooth. Place cheese mixture on a large piece of plastic wrap and use plastic wrap to shape into a ball; chill until firm, at least 2 hours.
• Unwrap and roll cheese ball in pecans and let sit at room temperature 20 minutes before serving. Serve with Stacy's® Fire Roasted Jalapeño Pita Chips.

DRIED BEEF CHEESE BALL

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, dried beef, and chopped onions. Mix well, then season with onion salt, monosodium glutamate, and Worcestershire sauce. Form into a ball, and refrigerate.