TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS CHEESE BALL

Traditional Christmas Cheese Ball image

I look forward to this simple, traditional cheese ball every year. It has been served during family Christmas Eve parties since before my time. The ingredients are few and inexpensive, and might be made year-round, but I reserve this one special appetizer for the holidays only to maintain its specialness. I love to serve Ritz crackers with the cheese ball to bring out its savory flavor.

Provided by Love2Cook87

Categories Appetizers and Snacks Dips and Spreads Recipes Cheese Dips and Spreads Recipes Cold Cheese Dip Recipes

Time 2h25m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

1 ½ (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 (2.5 ounce) package thinly sliced smoked beef, chopped
1 (2.25 ounce) can pimento-stuffed green olives, chopped
1 small Vidalia or other sweet onion, minced
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce, or to taste
1 cup chopped walnuts

Steps:

Mix the cream cheese, beef, olives, onion, and Worcestershire sauce together in a bowl until evenly blended. Keeping the mixture in the bowl, scrape it into a semi-ball shape. Cover, and refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours.
Place a large sheet of waxed paper on a flat surface. Sprinkle with walnuts. Roll the cheese ball in the walnuts until completely covered. Transfer the cheese ball to a serving plate, or rewrap with waxed paper and refrigerate until needed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 179.7 calories, Carbohydrate 2.8 g, Cholesterol 34.7 mg, Fat 17.3 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 4.9 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, Sodium 293.4 mg, Sugar 0.6 g