Cheese Balls

Think cheese balls are just for the holidays? Think again. They are great anytime of year, especially when served with something other than crackers, like pita chips, veggies or fruit wedges. Below I will give you a basic cheese ball recipe, to which you can add to create a variety of different cheese balls. In addition to enjoying all year round, they're great to make for gifts.

Cheese Balls

1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature

3 block cream cheese, room temperature

2T. lemon juice

several dashes of hot sauce, depending on taste, or none at all

1/4tsp kosher salt

Beat all ingredients until well blended and completely smooth. Set aside and add one of the following combinations to make flavored cheese balls

Cheddar cheese and cranberry

Add 8 ounces shredded cheddar (I like sharp cheddar)and 2-3 T. whole berry cranberry to 1/3 of the above basic cheese ball recipe. Mix with electric mixer until thoroughly blended. Form into a ball, then wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until hard. (at least one hour). Serve with a variety of dippers. I like plain pita chips, crackers and jicama.

Brie and Apple

There are many other possibilities, like adding goat cheese and either chopped pears or chopped dates. Yum. Use your imagination and create a savory ball with cheddar cheese, 2 kinds of olives and pimentos. You're only limited by your imagination. Remember, these are great for entertaining all year round.