Mini Middle Eastern Cheese Balls Recipes

"AROUND THE WORLD" CHEESE BALL FLIGHT

Steps:

• In large bowl, beat Basic Cheese Ball Ingredients with electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment on medium speed until combined. Divide mixture into 5 medium bowls; use 1 bowl to make each of the flavors as explained in steps 2-6.
• To make the mini French cheese balls: In one of the 5 bowls, stir in Roquefort cheese, 2 teaspoons honey and the shallot. Drop mixture by teaspoonfuls on cooking parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Refrigerate about 30 minutes or until set. Shape each into 3/4-inch ball. In small bowl, stir together parsley and almonds. Roll balls in mixture to coat before serving. Serve with baguette slices.
• To make the mini Mexican cheese balls: In one of the 5 bowls, stir in queso fresco cheese, ancho chile powder, chipotle chiles and green onions. Drop mixture by teaspoonfuls on cooking parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Refrigerate about 30 minutes or until set. Shape each into 3/4-inch ball. If not using immediately, cover and refrigerate up to 3 days, or freeze up to 1 month. Roll balls in chopped pepitas to coat before serving. Serve with tortilla chips.
• To make the mini Middle Eastern cheese balls: In one of the 5 bowls, stir in feta cheese, mint leaves and 3/4 teaspoon of the za'atar blend. With moistened hands, shape into 3/4-inch balls; refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. (If not using immediately, refrigerate up to 3 days, or freeze up to 1 month.) In small bowl, stir together remaining 3/4 teaspoon of the za'atar blend and the pistachio nuts. Roll balls in mixture to coat before serving. Serve with pita crackers.
• To make the mini Indian cheese balls: In one of the 5 bowls, stir in paneer cheese, 2 teaspoons lime peel, the curry powder and 1 tablespoon of the cilantro. With moistened hands, shape into 3/4-inch balls; refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. (If not using immediately, refrigerate up to 3 days, or freeze up to 1 month.) In small bowl, stir together remaining 1/4 cup cilantro and cashews. Roll balls in mixture to coat before serving. Serve with naan bread.
• To make the mini Korean cheese balls: In one of the 5 bowls, stir in cheese, chili paste, kimchi, green onions and lime peel. Drop mixture by teaspoonfuls on cooking parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Refrigerate about 30 minutes or until set. Shape each into 3/4-inch ball. If not using immediately, cover and refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 1 month. Roll balls in sesame seed to coat before serving. Serve with rice crackers.

MINI CHEESE BALLS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine cheeses. Shape into 36 balls; roll balls in toppings as desired. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. To serve, if desired, press a rye crisp or rolled corn chip into the top of each cheese ball.

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.