Traditional Christmas Cheese Ball

30 Reviews

Prep: 25 min
Ready In: 2 hr 25 min

“I look forward to this simple, traditional cheese ball every year. It has been served during family Christmas Eve parties since before my time. The ingredients are few and inexpensive, and might be made year-round, but I reserve this one special appetizer for the holidays only to maintain its specialness. I love to serve Ritz crackers with the cheese ball to bring out its savory flavor.” - by Love2Cook87

Ingredients

1 1/2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 (2.5 ounce) package thinly sliced smoked beef, chopped
1 (2.25 ounce) can pimento-stuffed green olives, chopped
1 small Vidalia or other sweet onion, minced
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce, or to taste
1 cup chopped walnuts

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Metric US

Original recipe yields 12 servings

Directions

Mix the cream cheese, beef, olives, onion, and Worcestershire sauce together in a bowl until evenly blended. Keeping the mixture in the bowl, scrape it into a semi-ball shape. Cover, and refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours.
Place a large sheet of waxed paper on a flat surface. Sprinkle with walnuts. Roll the cheese ball in the walnuts until completely covered. Transfer the cheese ball to a serving plate, or rewrap with waxed paper and refrigerate until needed.

Nutrition

Amount Per Serving (12 total)

Calories
180 cal
9%

Fat
17.3 g
27%

Carbs
2.8 g
< 1%

Based on a 2,000 calorie diet

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Reviews (30)

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rainbowgal

Dec. 23, 2010

"My daughter makes this every year for Christmas & New Year's Eve.We leave the olives out & add some galic powder to it. Very easy & good!!!..." See more"

tina

Nov. 12, 2009

"really great!!..." See more"

jrbaker

Dec. 11, 2011

"This is a good, basic savory cheese ball. I mixed everything together in a food processor and it was super-easy. Just make sure the folks you will be serving it to like green olives...." See more"

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