Party Cheese Ball

Name: Party Cheese Ball
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 195 min
Yield: 3
Ingredients: 2 pkg. brick cream cheese, softened; 1 pkg. shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 Tbsp. onions; 1 Tbsp. bell peppers; 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp. lemon juice; dash ground red pepper (cayenne); 1 cup pecans, toasted; RITZ Crackers

Known to frequent holiday open houses, this creamy appetizer with a nutty exterior doesn't stick around long. Which is exactly why you'll want to keep this recipe handy.

Prep time:

0 min

Total time:

0 h 0 min

Servings:

Makes 3 cups cheese spread, or 24 servings, 2 Tbsp. spread and 5 crackers each.

Ingredient list

2 pkg. (8 oz. each) brick cream cheese, softened
1 pkg. (8 oz.) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 Tbsp. finely chopped onions
1 Tbsp. finely chopped red bell peppers
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. lemon juice
dash ground red pepper (cayenne)
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
RITZ Crackers

Directions

Beat cream cheese and cheddar cheese in medium bowl with mixer until blended.

Add all remaining ingredients except nuts and crackers; mix well.

Refrigerate several hours.

Shape cheese mixture into ball; roll in nuts.

Serve with crackers.

Recipe Tips

VariationPrepare recipe as directed, using Neufchatel cheese and shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese. In addition, coat the cheese ball with chopped fresh parsley instead of the chopped nuts and serve with RITZ Reduced Fat Crackers.
SubstituteSubstitute pimentos for the red bell peppers and/or toasted chopped slivered almonds or finely chopped fresh parsley for the nuts.
Variation Mix cream cheese mixture as directed; shape into log or 24 small balls, each about 1 inch in diameter. Roll in nuts until evenly coated. Serve as directed.