TOASTED ALMOND CHEESE BALL

So…I’m working on a New Year’s Eve dinner blog and I wanted to include some really cool appetizers, so I thought…what is cooler than a cheese ball? My favorite “cheesy” things all rolled into a ball…I even made a few minis for show…they are so adorable! This Toasted Almond Cheese Ball certainly fits the bill. Serve it up for New Year’s Eve, holiday gatherings, parties, or just because you want to have a fancy night at home.

This is definitely one of those appetizers you can make ahead of time…even a day early. I would suggest, however that you wait to roll the ball in the almonds until you are ready to serve. This will ensure that the almonds are nice and crunchy. Four simple ingredients, and you will be the “toast” of your NYE party, or any party for that matter!

Place the sliced almonds in a non-stick pan. Crush in pan and toast. Watch these very carefully, as they can burn quickly. Remove from pan and allow to cool.

In a bowl, combine the whipped cream cheese (I love using Philadelphia Whipped Cream Cheese), shredded cheddar and chopped dried cherries. Like dried cranberries better? Feel free to use them, or even dried apricots. Mix with a hand blender until combined. Wrap the cheese mixture in saran wrap, and refrigerate for about an hour.

Remove the cheese from fridge. If you want to make mini-cheese balls, take a melon scoop and scoop out some of the mixture and roll each tiny ball into the toasted almonds. Form the remaining cheese into a larger ball and roll into the almonds. Serve with crackers and ENJOY this amazing Toasted Almond Cheese Ball!

Hosting a party, or want to take an amazing appetizer to a party you are invited to? Click here for more ideas!