Going back to childhood I was always most impressed with Christmas Eve food. There was the special salami from the meat shop in Chillicothe, Chex Mix, and my favorite Holiday Cheese Ball that mom only made once every year. We would have a big family gathering with all of the aunts and uncles, so there were additional foods. But each Christmas Eve, I would fill up on these and a few of my mom’s famous sugar cookies.
These days the meat shop is a thing of the past. Chex Mix is available 365 days a year, in snack bags at the grocery store. My tastes have expanded a bit (along with my waistline), but I still love Mom’s Holiday Cheese Ball.
It comes together easily and it is one of my favorite recipes for a party or carry in. Why? I can make it the day ahead and tuck it into the refrigerator all ready to go. And, despite it’s simple preparation, it’s still the star of pre-dinner snacking at most holiday events.
Holiday Cheese Ball
2 packages cream cheese (8 oz. each)
2 jars Roka Blue Cheese (5 oz. each)
3-4 green onions or 4 tbsp chopped onion
2 tbsp Accent
4 pkgs dried beef (4 oz each) – chop
Rinse beef slightly with warm water (I skip this step when I use the Buddig brand because it’s not too salty).
Bring cream cheese and blue cheese to room temperature. Combine cream cheese and blue cheese. Add Accent and mix well.
Add the green onions and half of the dried beef.
Mix well and form mixture into a ball. Roll the formed ball in the remainder of the chopped beef.
Place on platter and serve with crackers. My family prefers Wheat Thins and Triscuits, but any cracker will do.
*Note: if you prefer you can mix all of the beef into the mixture and serve as a dip with crackers.
We hope that you enjoy this recipe as much as we have. Check out the recipe section, if you’re looking for additional holiday recipes.
Pickle treats are another good make ahead recipe. They’re super simple, but everyone loves them. Looking for something more for a holiday dinner? Baked mashed sweet potatoes are an easy and delicious side dish. How about an easy crock pot recipe for a busy December evening? Try the crockpot winter stew and come home to dinner all ready to go.
And lastly, take a look at our play clay dough. You can make ornaments with your crew with just a few ingredients that you likely already have at home.
We hope to make your holiday season a little more merry and we’re really glad you’re FindingOhio with us. And remember, if you see content you like we always appreciate it when you share it to your social media.
