Ranch and Cheddar Cheese Ball

Even though cheese balls are sold throughout the year, I only buy one for my husband during the Christmas holidays. He knows that Christmas is getting close when he finds the cheese ball and a box of crackers waiting for him in the kitchen. This year, I made my rounds in the deli section of the grocery store and found that the price of the cheese ball was $3.99 instead of 2/$5.00 like I remembered. I thought that was way too much to pay for something that I could make myself with ingredients I already had on hand. So, I came home and whipped up this recipe. Eric will be munching on this tonight while watching "Christmas Vacation". I don't know about the cat, but Eric sure will enjoy it...


Ranch and Cheddar Cheese Ball

1-8 oz. package of cream cheese, softened
1 tbsp. Ranch dressing mix
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 tsp. Worchestershire sauce
3 splashes of hot pepper sauce
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/2 cup sliced almonds

In a medium bowl, use a mixer to blend the cream cheese, Ranch dressing mix and cheddar cheese until well blended. Add the green onions, Worchestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, and black pepper and mix until smooth. Place plastic wrap over the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, spread out a sheet of plastic wrap and sprinkle with 1/4 of the almonds. Place the chilled mixture on top of the almonds then press the remaining almonds around the mixture using the plastic wrap to help shape it into a ball. Wrap tightly and place back into the refrigerator until completely chilled. Serve with crackers.

With the combination of cream cheese and Ranch dressing, the possibilities are endless.

Shredded cheddar: a necessary evil!

Blend the cream cheese, dressing mix, and cheese together.

Our life would not be complete without green onions.

I sent these two for a whirl in my little food chopper.

Add the onions, Worchestershire, hot sauce, and pepper to the cheese mixture and blend well with the mixer. After all of the ingredients are well blended, scrap down the sides and cover bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes have gone by, lay some plastic wrap down and add some sliced almonds.

Place the cheese mixture on the almonds and start pressing the remaining almonds around the cheese.

Use the plastic wrap to help form the cheese mixture into a ball. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.

Serve with your favorite crackers!

Enjoy!!!