Bacon-Cheddar Cheese Balls

By cindygwest

Freshly shredded cheese works better than packaged shredded cheese in a cheese ball. Prepare the cheese mixture the night before so flavors have a chance to blend. Shape and roll in the crumbled bacon or pistachio nuts a few hours before serving.

Ingredients

• 1 pound extra sharp cheddar cheese*, finely shredded
• 2 8 - ounce package reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchatel)
• 1 2 - ounce jar sliced pimiento, rinsed, drained, patted dry, and chopped
• 1/4 cup apricot preserves
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon bottled hot pepper sauce
• 8 -10 slice bacon, crisp cooked and crumbled
• 1/3 cup pistachio nuts, chopped
• Celery stalks, cucumber slices, apricot halves, and/or toasted baguette slices

Preparation

Step 1

1 pound extra sharp cheddar cheese*, finely shredded
2 8 - ounce package reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchatel)
1 2 - ounce jar sliced pimiento, rinsed, drained, patted dry, and chopped
1/4 cup apricot preserves
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon bottled hot pepper sauce
8 -10 slice bacon, crisp cooked and crumbled
1/3 cup pistachio nuts, chopped
Celery stalks, cucumber slices, apricot halves, and/or toasted baguette slices