Cheese Balls

Our good friends, Ryan and Tanya, invited us over for a Christmas in July party (mostly because Tanya had a game she wanted and didn't want to wait until Christmas to get it).  So we decided to go all out and plan the festivities.  We will be playing games, decorating sugar cookies, and of course - eating crackers and cheese ball.  I volunteered to make this non-sweet treat for the party, but couldn't decide what kind I wanted to make.  So, after some quick research online, I went to the store for the ingredients and set about making 2 different kinds of cheese balls.  Here are the resulting recipes (my own creations, feel free to substitute or change them as you like).

Cheese Ball #1 - Bacon and Cheese

1 8oz pkg of cream cheese*
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp onion flakes
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp bacon bits
1 cup grated marbled cheddar cheese
extra cheese, bacon bits and parsley for garnish

*I use neufchatel cream cheese instead of regular, it is much easier to stir and spread and doesn't fully harden when chilled.  If you use regular cream cheese, just make sure to leave out for a while before trying to stir it w/ the ingredients.
Combine all ingredients in medium mixing bowl, stir until all incorporated.  I didn't take the time, but you can put this mixture into a nonstick mold or form into a ball.  Place on serving plate, garnish, and chill.  If you used regular cream cheese, pull out of fridge about a half hour before serving time to allow it soften.
Voila!  A yummy cheeseball!

Cheese Ball #2 - Taco

1 pkg cream cheese*
1 tsp taco seasoning mix
1/2 tsp onion flakes
1/2 tsp Tabasco sauce
1 cup grated pepper jack cheese
parsley, red pepper flakes and cheese for garnish


*I use neufchatel cream cheese instead of regular, it is much easier to stir and spread and doesn't fully harden when chilled.  If you use regular cream cheese, just make sure to leave out for a while before trying to stir it w/ the ingredients.
Combine all ingredients in medium mixing bowl, stir until all incorporated.  I didn't take the time, but you can put this mixture into a nonstick mold or form into a ball.  Place on serving plate, garnish, and chill.  If you used regular cream cheese, pull out of fridge about a half hour before serving time to allow it soften.
This is quite a spicy version, but is delicious.  You can substitute the Tabasco for your favorite taco sauce or hot sauce, or omit completely.

Most cheese balls have nuts as the garnish, but since my husband isn't so fond of them, I left them out.  These would be very tasty topped with walnuts, pecans or almonds, so have fun!