Italian Cheese Ball

Submitted by BecR2400

"This Italian-style party cheese ball is an easy fix for last-minute entertaining! Roll the cheese in snipped herbs and cracked pepper for a treat with zing. An easy make-ahead appetizer. Serve with water crackers or baguette slices, and a nice bottle of Italian wine or sparkling Spumante! Cook time is chill time. From Better Homes and Gardens."

 

• Ready In: 4hrs 15mins
• Ingredients: 10
• Yields: 1 cheese ball
• Serves: 12

ingredients

• 3 tablespoons snipped fresh chives
• 3 tablespoons snipped fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons snipped fresh parsley
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 4 ounces Fontina cheese
• 2 ounces finely chopped hard salami
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped roasted red peppers
• 1⁄4 - 1⁄2 teaspoon cracked black pepper (to taste)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• water crackers or baguette, slices

directions

1. In a shallow dish combine 1 tablespoon of the chives, 1 tablespoon of the basil, and the parsley; set aside.
2. In a medium bowl beat cream cheese and Fontina cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
3. Beat in the salami and finely chopped roasted red sweet pepper and remaining 2 tablespoons chives, remaining 2 tablespoons basil, the pepper, and garlic.
4. Form into a ball (or log).
5. Roll ball in herb mixture. Wrap and chill cheese ball for 4 to 24 hours.
6. Serve with water crackers or baguette slices, and a nice bottle of Italian wine or sparkling Spumante!
7. Makes twelve 2-tablespoon servings.