3-IN-1 CHEESE BALL

3-in-1 Cheese Ball image

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

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 30m

Yield 3 large cheese balls (about 1 cup each).

Number Of Ingredients 17

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

Steps:

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

Nutrition Facts : Calories 94 calories, Fat 9g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 24mg cholesterol, Sodium 157mg sodium, Carbohydrate 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 3g protein.