The holiday season is in full swing and the time for festive parties has arrived. One of the best things at festive events, other than libations, is the wonderful food that appears.
The holidays bring out the creativity in everyone. The only problem with creativity is that it takes time and might leave you frazzled wondering how you’ll ever get everything together. That’s why you need a party snack that’s easy to make in advance and is ready right when you are.
I love cheese balls just because they are so easy and give me time to worry about more important things. You can make your cheese ball two days in advance if you choose. All you need to serve is some crunchy crackers and you’re good to go.
Ingredients
Makes 1 cheese ball or log
1 ½ to 2 cups (115g-ish) sharp white cheddar, grated
1 8oz package (225g) cream cheese, softened
3 green onions, sliced thin
Creamy horseradish to taste (I used probably ½ teaspoon, but could have used more)
Salt and Pepper to taste
Sliced Almonds for rolling
Method
Combine all ingredients except the almonds in a medium bowl. Beat together using an electric mixer until cheese mixture is smooth. Taste test with crackers as you add the horseradish, salt and pepper to make sure you don’t add too much. When you first mix everything together it might be hard to taste the cheddar, but don’t worry. The flavor will develop after resting in the fridge.
Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on the counter and scoop the cheese mixture onto the center. Wrap up the cheese and place in the fridge.
Let the cheese mixture rest in the fridge for two hours. Remove the cheese from the fridge and begin to form it into a ball or log while still wrapped in the plastic wrap. On a paper plate or sheet of plastic make a nice wide pile of slice almonds. Roll the cheese ball or log in the sliced almonds pressing lightly as you roll. You can roast the almonds if you like, but I never do.
Once your cheese ball is covered in almonds you can wrap it in plastic until you’re ready to serve. I usually double the recipe and make two cheese balls as they are just so good. With some crackers and sliced summer sausage you are ready for any holiday party life throws at you.
Image © Jenessa Hooper for BitchBuzz