Most of us truly appreciate the main course of any dinner, but there is something about serving something along with it that really makes it stand apart from the rest. For many of us, the extra effort may go into making dessert but you should also think about starting the meal off on the right foot as well. That is what this recipe is designed to do.
These mini cheese balls are the best appetizer you could serve. First of all, they are very simple to make, so you can put them together while dinner is cooking. Secondly, everybody loves cheese, and it can be a great way to start off a fantastic meal. Although the appetizer is thought to be not as important as the main course, this appetizer can make your entire evening a success.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/8 teaspoon hot sauce
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
For the topping
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup crushed nuts (almonds, pecans or walnuts)
1/3 cup finely chopped green onion, or parsley (whichever you prefer)
12-15 pretzel sticks
Directions:
In a medium bowl add the butter, cream cheese, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and ground pepper. Using a hand mixer, beat until well combined and smooth. Stir in cheddar cheese.
Divide the mixture into 12-15 tablespoon-size portions. Dip your clean hands in a little bit of water and smooth each portion into a small ball. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or as long as you want to in advance – up to 24 hours).
Before serving, roll the balls in cranberries, nuts, parsley or green onion. Place a pretzel stick in each. Serve immediately.