Mini Cheese Balls

Submitted by Adie

"This is a great make-ahead recipe that gets better the longer you let it refrigerate. It also makes lots so it is good for a large party. I like to vary the types of dried fruit - substituting craisins for raisins, dried pineapple for apple, etc."

 

• Ready In: 45mins
• Ingredients: 7
• Yields: 7-8 dozen

ingredients

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1⁄2 cup finely chopped dried apricot
• 1⁄2 cup finely chopped dried apple
• 1⁄2 cup golden raisin
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 - 1 1⁄4 cup chopped walnuts

directions

1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add remaining ingredients except walnuts; blend well. Refrigerate mixture 30 minutes or until easy to handle. Shape into 1 inch balls. Roll in chopped walnuts.
2. Refrigerate until firm.
3. Serve with crackers.
4. Store in refrigerator up to 2 weeks.

Reviews

[flower7]

These are very tasty! I'm not a fan of walnuts so used a combo of almonds and pecans (what I happened to have on hand). I also used regular raisins and dried Granny Smith apples. I probably rolled my balls a little big because I only got 22 out of a half recipe. Very easy and tasty appetizer. I do recommend partaking of these when they are at room temperature (or briefly warmed in the microwave - no more than 8-10 seconds to take the chill off) as the flavor is much better than when chilled. Thanks for posting!

 

[Sydney Mike]

A little time consuming making those little balls, but very presentable on the finger food counter! AND TASTY, TOO! Followed the recipe, using some dried tart Fuji apples I found at Costco! Made for a group I host tomorrow evening ~ I just have to stay away from them until then! [Made & reviewed for one of my adoptees in this Spring's Pick-A-Chef]