FESTIVE CHEESE BEACH BALL

Festive Cheese Beach Ball image

Made to resemble a beach ball, this appetizer always rounds up compliments. It's filled with a variety of cheese, and each cut through the ball gives guests a taste along with garnishes of their choice.-Florence McClelland, Fredonia, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Appetizers

Time 25m

Yield 7 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 15

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Ingredients

6 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened, divided
2 cups crumbled blue cheese
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 garlic clove, minced
TOPPINGS:
1/4 cup cooked tiny shrimp
2 tablespoons chopped pimiento-stuffed olives
2 tablespoons crumbled cooked bacon
2 tablespoons chopped sweet yellow pepper
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
2 tablespoons chopped ripe olives
2 tablespoons chopped pimientos
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
Assorted crackers

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine two packages of cream cheese and blue cheese until smooth. In a another large bowl, combine two packages of cream cheese and cheddar cheese; set aside. In a third bowl, beat the remaining cream cheese until fluffy; add the onions and garlic., In a 2-qt. bowl lined with plastic wrap, layer each portion of cream cheese. Invert onto a serving platter; remove plastic wrap and shape into a ball. , With a sharp knife, score eight sections on the ball. Sprinkle each section with one of the toppings and press lightly. Serve with crackers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 49 calories, Fat 4g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 15mg cholesterol, Sodium 133mg sodium, Carbohydrate 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 3g protein.