Tired of the same old party snacks? Craving something sophisticated yet surprisingly simple to make? Then look no further! These blue cheese balls are the perfect answer. They're creamy, tangy, and utterly irresistible, guaranteed to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick appetizer, a sophisticated addition to your next gathering, or even a satisfying snack for a quiet night in. Get ready to elevate your snack game!
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled (the stronger the better!)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, but highly recommended)
- 1 tablespoon milk or cream (for desired consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup crumbled bacon (optional)
- Walnuts or pecans, chopped, for rolling
Instructions:
Step 1: Combining the Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and crumbled blue cheese. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed. This is the foundation of your delicious blue cheese balls.
Step 2: Adding the Flavors
Next, stir in the mayonnaise, milk or cream (adjust for your desired consistency – a little extra makes them easier to roll), garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – you might want a pinch more pepper or a little extra garlic depending on your preference.
Step 3: Incorporating the Extras
Gently fold in the chopped parsley and bacon (if using). The parsley adds freshness and a beautiful pop of green, while the bacon contributes a smoky saltiness. Remember to be gentle when folding to avoid overmixing and creating a dense mixture.
Step 4: Shaping the Balls
Once everything is well combined, roll the mixture into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. This is where you can get creative! You can make them uniform or slightly irregular – it's entirely up to you.
Step 5: Rolling and Chilling
Roll each ball in chopped walnuts or pecans. This adds a delightful crunch and a beautiful visual contrast to the creamy blue cheese. Place the finished blue cheese balls on a plate or tray, cover with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the balls to firm up.
Step 6: Serving & Enjoying
Serve your delicious blue cheese balls chilled. They are perfect as an appetizer, a snack with drinks, or even alongside a salad. They can be made ahead of time, which makes them an ideal option for parties or gatherings.
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can substitute it with 1 tablespoon of dried parsley.
- Feel free to experiment with other nuts – almonds or pistachios would also be delicious.
- For a sweeter variation, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the mixture.
- Instead of rolling them in nuts, try rolling them in breadcrumbs or finely grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients used. This recipe yields approximately 20 blue cheese balls.
- Calories: Approximately 100-120 calories
- Fat: Approximately 8-10 grams
- Protein: Approximately 3-4 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 3-4 grams
These easy-to-make blue cheese balls are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the delicious and delightful flavors!