Mini Cheese Balls

     This recipe appears in the 2010 edition of Taste of Home’s HOLIDAY & CELEBRATIONS cookbook as provided by Meta West.

     Ranch salad dressing mix is the fast flavoring for these small cheese balls. If your family isn’t fond of nuts, roll the balls in minced fresh parsley, chopped ripe olives or finely shredded Cheddar cheese.

Nutty Mini Cheese Balls     Yield: 2 dozen

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon finely chopped onion

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons ranch salad dressing mix

1 cup finely chopped nuts

Assorted crackers

1.     In a small bowl, beat cream cheese. Stir in the cheddar cheese, onions, Worcestershire sauce and salad dressing mix.

2.     Shape into 1” balls; roll in the nuts.

3.     Chill until serving. Serve with assorted crackers.

Serving Idea:

Right before serving, add a pretzel stick to each mini cheese call as a serving alternative.