This cheesy, savory appetizer has been a staple at our family's parties for years - and it's always the first thing eaten! Blue cheese, onions, and Worcestershire sauce give the cheese ball a fun and funky kick, while cream cheese gives the cheese ball it structure and creaminess, and sharp cheddar takes center stage as the leading flavor. A few years ago, my mom and I made this big cheese ball look like a jack-o-lantern for a Hallowe'en party, and now it's an October tradition! But even without a bell pepper smile, this giant cheese ball can be made and enjoyed year-round. 

 

Ingredients

• 8 ounces softened cream cheese

• 4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar, plus more for garnish

• 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled

• 2-3 tablespoons minced red onion or shallot

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 bell pepper, any color (for garnish)​​

        OR​

• Finely chopped parsley (for garnish) 

       OR​

• Finely chopped toasted walnuts (for garnish)

​

Instructions

1. Combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crumbled blue cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and minced onion (or shallot) in a food processor or blender. Blend until creamy and smooth.

2. Wrap the cheese spread in plastic cling wrap. Shape it like a ball. Store in the fridge for several hours and up to overnight. 

3. For traditional garnish: Roll the cheese ball in either shredded cheddar, finely chopped parsley, or finely chopped walnuts. Served with crackers and veggies.

4. For Hallowe'en garnish: Cut a smile and eyes out of the bell pepper. Carefully cut out the stem. Roll the cheese ball in shredded cheddar. Place on the intended serving dish, and press in the bell pepper garnishes. Serve with crackers and veggies for a spook-tacular jack-o-lantern cheese ball!