One way to keep holiday entertaining costs low is to have a party with appetizers instead of a sit-down dinner. This Three-Cheese Cheese Ball is a perfect party food. Cheddar, port, and blue cheese combine to form a classic, tasty ball — a Christmas tradition in many households.
Cheddar, Port, and Blue Cheese Ball
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: None; 2 hours of refrigeration
Yield: 10 servings, or one 5-inch ball
8 ounces full-fat cream cheese
5 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
5 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
1 tablespoon port
1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped (or chopped parsley)
Mix the cream cheese, cheddar, blue cheese, and port together in the bowl of a mixer on low-medium speed, using a flat paddle attachment, until combined. Scrape onto a piece of plastic wrap, form into a ball, and refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours and up to 4 days.
Roll in the nuts or parsley, and serve immediately.
Serve with celery sticks, apple slices, and crackers. You can slice the apples ahead of time and place them in water with a little lemon juice added to keep them from discoloring.
You can double this recipe and turn it into a large log. Just double the ingredients and follow the instructions as above, but form the mixture into a long log. Proceed as directed. It will serve twice as many people and is great for a buffet.