Food and Health Communications

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A Great Holiday Appetizer, Lightened Up!

Holiday Cheese BallCheese BallServes: 16 | Serving Size: 1/4 cupIngredients:

  • 1 pound fat-free cream cheese
  • 8 ounces light cream cheese
  • 2 ounces reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons grated onion
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

  1. Using a hand blender, cream the cream cheese and cheddar cheese together until smooth.
  2. Add the Worcestershire sauce, onion, and garlic, then refrigerated until firm.
  3. Form the cheese mixture into a ball and roll it in chopped parsley.
  4. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 2 days.

Nutrition Information:

  • Serves 16. Each serving contains 134 calories, 12 g fat, 5 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat, 39 mg cholesterol, 241 mg sodium, 1 g carbohydrate, 0 g dietary fiber, 2 g sugar, and 4 g protein.
  • Each serving also has 12% DV vitamin A, 4% DV vitamin C, 5% DV calcium, and 5% DV iron.

Chef’s Tips:

  1. This is a cheese ball that’s lighter in fat and calories, but just as flavorful and easy to spread as a regular version.
  2. Serve with whole wheat low-fat crackers and fresh vegetable sticks.
  3. For a different flavor profile, use a dried Italian herb seasoning in place of the chopped parsley.