Creamy, tangy and festive, a cheese ball sets a celebratory tone whenever you serve it. Variations are plentiful when you consider which cheeses to use and what toppings to roll the ball in. Most cheese balls use cream cheese as a base to achieve a smooth, spreading consistency, but creamy goat cheese is also an option. Make one large ball for a party appetizer, or make multiple smaller balls, assembly-line style, to give away to your friends and neighbors during the holidays. This cheese ball recipe uses a classic trio of cheeses to create one large ball. Use a more mild cheddar instead of the extra sharp if your family and friends prefer more subtle flavors.

Total Time: 45 minutes | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Serves: 24

Ingredients:

• 1  8-ounce

  package

  extra sharp cheddar cheese 
  * 1  8-ounce

  package

  cream cheese 1 5-ounce package blue cheese 1 1/2 cup walnuts 

Directions:

1. In a food processor or using a hand grater, grate the cheddar cheese and crumble the blue cheese and place them on sheets of waxed paper to soften. Let all the cheeses sit for at least 30 minutes to come to room temperature.
   
2. Using a food grinder or large, sharp knife, finely chop the walnuts and spread them on another sheet of waxed paper or in a dinner-size plate.
3. In a food processor or with a large spoon, thoroughly mix the cheeses until they are well blended.
4. Using your hands, shape the cheese mixture into a round shape. If the cheese is too sticky to handle, spray your hands with cooking spray, use wax paper to help shape the ball or refrigerate the cheese for 20 minutes until you can shape it into a ball.
5. Roll the cheese ball in the chopped nuts, covering all sides.