The Big Cheese Apple
16 Comments | Written on November 11, 2011 at 5:00 am , by Kristina Vanni
Nothing says “party” like a good, old-fashioned cheese ball. Serve with crackers and a bottle of your favorite wine, and suddenly it’s a soiree! Many times you will see a cheese ball rolled in chopped nuts, but this recipe takes the classic party centerpiece and gives it a fun fall twist.
Isn’t that adorable! Makes you do a double take, right? The cheese ball is formed into the shape of an apple and coated with paprika. A cinnamon stick is inserted in the middle for the “stem” and basil mimics the leaves.
In this recipe I used the Cracker Barrel Aged Reserve Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese. This award-winning cheese is carefully cured for a rich, distinct and balanced flavor.
If you are looking for more fun and festive recipes to serve this holiday season, check out our new “Host the Holidays” group. Join the discussions, voice you opinion in the polls, and even enter to win the Cracker Barrel holiday giveaways!
THE BIG CHEESE APPLE (click here to view and print recipe)
1-1/2 pounds Cracker Barrel Aged Reserve Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated
3 ounce package cream cheese, softened
2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
1-1/2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 Tablespoons sherry or Madeira
1/3 cup chopped pimiento-stuffed olives
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
Paprika
Garnish: Basil leaves, cinnamon stick
Beat cheese, mayo, Worcestershire, and wine together in mixer; mix until smooth and well-blended. Mix in olives and celery. Shape into a big apple, make an indentation in the top, and tuck in basil leaves, and cinnamon stick for a stem. Sprinkle all over with paprika so it looks like an apple. Serve with melba toast or crackers. Makes about 4 cups.
Categories:
Better Recipes, Celebrations and Parties, Fast and Fabulous, Holidays, On A Budget, Tips and Tricks | Tags: Appetizer Recipes, Cheese, Cold Appetizer Recipes
16 Comments | Post Your Comment
16 Responses to “The Big Cheese Apple”
That is so cute and funny! Love the creativity!
What a fun idea!
This is brilliant and so cute! I am bookmarking this recipe.
This is adorable. I think this will be my offering at the teachers’ Christmas buffet at my son’s school.
By the way Kristina, you did an awesome job on The Talk the other day. You really shined!
What fun -
Such a fun and creative idea…just when I thought I had seen it all
I plan on making the cheese ball as part of our Thanksgiving dinner party!
Fun idea! I’m sure this would be a hit at any party.
I love the extra sharp 2% to serve with fresh celery and carrots.
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i put out sharp, x-tra sharp and monterey jack with crackers and hot kabeisa. also shred the mix of cheeses in my mash potatoes and to top my brocoli.
What a creative idea. I must try this one…..soon!
[...] to overnight guests? Ladle up a warm bowl of soup on a chilly winter day? Or make a fun cheese ball for your next [...]
Looks delicious!
I was looking for a recipe that was unique. I think I found it. Going to have this as one of the dishes I take to our Christmas Eve family gathering.
Try 24 oz. cream cheese; 1 can dryed beed or ham chopped fine; chives (all chopped fine) Mix, roll into ball and roll in sliced or chopped nuts or topping of choice. Really excellent and simple.