Coventry, Harlequin, Holiday, Fruit & Nut Cheese Balls
Submitted by m1sas
Four cheese ball variations from one base recipe: classic Coventry, pimiento Harlequin, caraway Holiday, and pineapple Fruit & Nut. Cream cheese and sharp cheddar party appetizers.
YIELD
12 servingsPREP
10 minCOOK
20 minREADY
30 minOne base recipe, four completely different cheese balls. The Coventry starts with cream cheese and sharp cheddar blended with onion, parsley, and Worcestershire for a savory, tangy spread that works on any cracker. From there, each variation takes a different turn.
The Harlequin adds pimiento and brown mustard for a peppery, slightly sweet version with gorgeous red flecks throughout. The Holiday ball goes in a completely different direction with caraway seeds, finished with ribbons of paprika and parsley for a show-stopping centerpiece. The Fruit & Nut version folds in crushed pineapple and chopped nuts, then gets rolled in more nuts for a crunchy, tropical coating.
Softened cream cheese is key to getting a smooth blend. If the cheese is still cold, it’ll stay lumpy no matter how long you mix. Pull it out of the fridge a good hour before you start.
Kitchen Tips
- Chill the shaped cheese balls for at least two hours before serving. They firm up and hold their shape better, and the flavors meld together.
- Drain crushed pineapple thoroughly for the Fruit & Nut version. Squeeze it in paper towels until no more liquid comes out, or the ball will be too soft to hold its shape.
- Bring cheese balls to the table about 15 minutes before serving. Slightly softened cheese spreads better and has more flavor than ice-cold.
- All four variations freeze well for up to a month. Wrap tightly in plastic, then thaw overnight in the fridge.
Variations
- Bacon cheddar: Add crumbled cooked bacon to the base recipe and roll in more bacon bits.
- Everything bagel: Roll the finished Coventry ball in everything bagel seasoning for a trendy, savory coating.
- Ranch: Mix a packet of ranch seasoning into the base for a crowd-pleasing party version.
Ingredients
Directions
In a bowl, blend cream and cheddar cheeses.
Add onion, parsley.
Lea and Perrins, and salt; blend well.
Shape into a ball. Chill and serve with assorted crackers, if desired. HARLEQUIN CHEESE BALL: Add 2 tablespoons finely diced pimiento, 1 teaspoon prepared brown mustard, and 1 clove garlic, crushed, to basic cheese mixture. Shape into a ball. Garnish with pimiento stars, if desired. HOLIDAY CHEESE BALL: Add 1 tablespoon caraway to basic cheese mixture. Shape into a ball. Chill. Sprinkle ribbons of paprika and chopped parsley around ball. FRUIT AND NUT CHEESE BALL: Add 1 can (8¼ ounces) crushed pineapple, well drained, and ⅓ cup finely chopped nuts to basic cheese mixture. Shape into a ball; roll in ⅓ cup finely chopped nuts. Chill.
Comments



