Green Chile Cheese Ball

I love me a cheese ball.

Scratch that…I just love cheese.  Period.

I have to really watch myself because I can make a meal out of cheese and crackers.  Love. Me. Some. Cheese.

Over the holidays, I made this Green Chile Cheese Ball covered in crushed walnuts and it was such a hit!  I was thinking that if you’re watching football…or say the upcoming Superbowl…you might want to try it too.  I served my cheese ball with simple whole grain crackers but of course, you could use any sort of cracker, chip or pretzel you love.  Another great part about this recipe?  You make it in advance.  This way, the day before (or two days before!), you can make it, wrap it up and have it on hand when people come over.  So good.  Just so, so, so good.

This recipe makes one cheese ball.

Shopping List
1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened
1 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
1 (4 oz) can of chopped green chiles, drained
1 tablespoon of chili powder
1 (8 oz) package of crushed walnuts

In a mixing bowl, combine your cream cheese, pepper jack, cheddar, chiles and chili powder with an electric mixer until incorporated (it won’t take much and don’t over mix!).  Using your hands, shape the mixture into a ball.  Next, take your crushed walnuts and pour them into a clean mixing bowl.  Take your cheese ball and place it in the walnuts and using your hands, press walnuts all over the cheese ball.  After it’s covered, wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours up to two days (I wrap it with plastic wrap).  Remove and serve alongside your favorite crackers.

It’s that easy!  So much flavor with just the right amount of crunch!