3-in-1 Cheese Ball

Total Time:Prep: 30 min. + chilling

By Taste Of Home Editorial Team

Recipe by Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Tested by Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Updated on Mar. 03, 2022

Three incredible cheese balls with the flavors of pesto, horseradish-bacon and Gorgonzola make a dazzling display at any get-together. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

TEST KITCHEN APPROVED

3-in-1 Cheese Ball

Yield:3 large cheese balls (about 1 cup each)
Prep:30 min

Ingredients

  • 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • pesto cheese ball:
    • 2 tablespoons prepared pesto
    • 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
  • horseradish-bacon cheese ball:
    • 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
    • 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
    • 1 green onion, finely chopped
  • gorgonzola-cranberry cheese ball:
    • 1/3 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
    • 1/3 cup dried cranberries
    • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
  • for serving:
    • Miniature pretzels, cooked bacon, dried cranberries, basil leaves and green onion, optional
    • Assorted crackers
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Directions

  1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, Parmesan cheese and garlic until blended. Divide into 3 portions; place each in a small bowl.
  2. <b>For Pesto Cheese Ball:</b> Beat pesto into 1 portion of cheese mixture. Stir in basil. Shape into a ball.
  3. <b>For Horseradish-Bacon Cheese Ball:</b> Beat horseradish into second portion of cheese mixture. Stir in bacon and green onion. Shape into 1 large or 3 mini balls.
  4. <b>For Gorgonzola-Cranberry Cheese Ball:</b> Beat Gorgonzola cheese into third portion of cheese mixture. Stir in cranberries. Shape into a ball; roll in walnuts to coat.
  5. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour or until firm. Decorate as desired. Serve with crackers.