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At our house, holiday parties call for cheese balls, and New Year’s Eve is no exception. This week we’re providing two recipes for flavorful cheese balls, one spicy and one mild. Serve them with crackers for an appetizing and appealing party favorite!

Sweet Pepper Cheese Ball

A blend of cheese, sweet peppers and parsley make for a delicious and easy to make cheese ball.

Ingredients:
12 ounces (1½ packages) cream cheese, softened
1½ cup grated cheddar cheese
1/3 cup roasted red peppers, drained and finely chopped
½ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
1½ cups chopped pecans for rolling

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, cheddar cheese, red peppers, and parsley.

2. Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until well blended.

3. Place mixture on parchment or waxed paper. Shape into a ball.

4. Spread chopped pecans on large plate and place cheese ball in center. Using your hands, gently press the nuts into the cheese ball.

Jalapeño Pepper Jack Cheese Ball

Pepper jack cheese and jalapeño peppers give this cheese ball a spicy kick!

Ingredients:
12 ounces (1½ packages) cream cheese, softened
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
½ cups grated pepper jack cheese
2 green onions, finely sliced
1 or 2 tablespoons finely chopped jarred jalapeño slices
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup sliced almonds for rolling

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, green onions, and chopped jalapeño slices.

2. Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until well blended.

3. Place mixture on parchment or waxed paper. Shape into a ball.

4. Spread sliced almonds on large plate and place cheese ball in center. Using your hands, gently press the nuts into the cheese ball.

Refrigerate until ready to serve. These cheese balls can be made several days in advance. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.