A cheese ball is one of those recipes that always come out during the holiday season. Perfect served for a small gathering of friends or family.
I created this cheese ball snowman using five types of cheese, fresh lime zest, roasted piquillo peppers, and a little spice from the sriracha.
Piquillo peppers are a variety of chili, small, red, and sweet in flavor with no heat. They are typically harvested and then roasted and packed in jars or cans.
This recipe is incredibly easy to make with cheesy decadence that your guests will enjoy!
Yield: serves 4–6
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
4 oz (1 cup) jalapeño pepper jack cheese, grated
3 oz (¾ cup) gouda cheese, grated
2 oz ½ cup) cheddar cheese, grated
¼ cup fresh chives, chopped
2 tbsp (2 peppers) piquillo pepper, chopped
1 tsp sriracha hot sauce
Zest of 1 lime
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
Fresh cracked black pepper
3 oz grated parmesan cheese for rolling
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Add all the ingredients to a large mixing bowl.
Using a large spoon or spatula mix until well combined.
Roll the mixture into 3 balls, 1 large, 1 medium, and 1 small.
Roll each cheese ball in the grated parmesan cheese to coat the outside.
Stack the balls on a large plate or platter like a snowman.
I used peppercorns for the eyes and buttons down the front. A carrot for the nose and rosemary sprigs for the arms. You can use anything you have to create a snowman look.
Bake a par-cooked baguette in the oven for about 8 minutes to warm it and serve with your cheese ball snowman.
Alternatively, you can serve your cheese ball with crackers or crostini made by slicing the baguette into thin slices. Lay the slices out on a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil and bake at 350°F until golden brown and crispy.
©chefalisonbiebs