Nutty Blue Cheese Ball

Whether shaped like a basketball, football, or even a racecar tire, cheese balls are a perennial favorite for event-day snacking. This one combines the tang of blue cheese with the crunch of walnuts. Be sure to prepare it ahead of time so that it has time to firm up.

 

SERVES 6

 

1	8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature
¾	cup crumbled blue cheese, at room temperature
½	teaspoon Dijon mustard
2	tablespoons chopped fresh chives
½	cup chopped walnuts
	Crackers of your choice for serving

1. Place the cream cheese, blue cheese, and mustard in a food processor. Process until smooth. Add the chives and pulse just to blend.
2. Place a sheet of plastic wrap on a clean work surface. Spread the chopped walnuts in the center of the sheet in a single layer. Mound the cheese mixture on top of the walnuts and pull the plastic wrap around it, pressing and rolling to adhere the nuts to the cheese.
3. Twist the plastic wrap to help shape the cheese into a ball, or your preferred shape, then seal with the plastic wrap. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Serve with crackers.

EXTRA POINTS You can prepare and refrigerate the cheese ball up to 3 days before your tailgate. Keep the cheese ball well chilled while transporting it and during serving.