The Heavyset Cheese Ball Recipes

SNOWMAN CHEESE BALL

Steps:

• Thoroughly combine the cream cheese, Worcestershire, lemon zest, 3 cups Cheddar and 1 teaspoon salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula as needed. Transfer to a bowl, then cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator until firm, about 30 minutes.
• Roll the cheese mixture into three balls to form the base, body and head of the snowman. (They should be just over 4-, 3-, and 2-inches in diameter.) Roll the balls in the remaining 2 cups Cheddar to create a snowy exterior. Insert a 6- to 8-inch wooden skewer vertically into the largest ball; use it to attach the body and then the head of the snowman.
• Cut an inch off the tapered tip of the carrot and use it for the snowman's nose. Insert the asparagus spears into the body for arms. Use two olive halves for eyes, and the remaining four for buttons. Wrap the thinly shaved cucumber or celery around his neck to form a scarf.
• Serve the snowman on a platter surrounded by crackers.

ITALIAN CHEESE BALL

Steps:

• Mix the cream cheese, provolone, olives, roasted red peppers, salami, artichoke hearts and crushed red pepper flakes in a medium bowl until well combined. Chill until firm and the flavors have blended, at least 4 hours or up to overnight.
• Shape the mixture into a ball and roll in the pine nuts. Serve with the crackers and garnish with the parsley.

BIZZY IZZY HIGH BALL

Steps:

• Combine 2 dashes of lemon juice, 2 teaspoons pineapple syrup and 3/4 ounce each sherry wine and rye or bourbon whiskey in a shaker with ice; shake until cold. Strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon slice.

CHEDDAR HORSERADISH CHEESE BALL

Steps:

• 1. Mix both of the cheeses, the onion, horseradish, 1 of the tablespoon parsley, Worcestershire, salt to taste and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl until evenly combined. Form the cheese mixture into a ball, cover with plastic wrap and chill until firm and the flavors have blended, at least 4 hours or overnight.
• 2. Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator up to 30 minutes before serving. Cook the bacon in skillet until crisp, transfer to a paper towel, and when cool crumble. Mix the bacon with the nuts and remaining tablespoon parsley in a shallow bowl. Roll the cheese ball in the mixture so that it is coated evenly. Serve with vegetables and crackers.