Some things just inherently smack of party food. Crown roasts, bouche de noel, pigs in a blanket, and anything involving a blini come to mind. Cheese balls go into that category, too, so much so that they’re sometimes referred to as party balls instead of cheese balls. But since parties are on hold this year, does that mean so too is party food?
An Easy Holiday Appetizer
I think not. But it’s hard to think about putting a whole lot of effort into holiday festivities when it may just be a party of five, or two, or even one. The key, in my opinion, is finding dishes that deliver that party feel, but don’t take over your life or your wallet.
Enter the Cheater’s Cheese Ball. It’s something I started making last holiday season and figure now is the perfect time to go break it out.
Just Three Ingredients
Unlike typical cheeseballs, that can involve numerous cheeses, all manner of spirits and spices, along with nuts, seeds, and herbs, all that’s needed for this holiday hack is about three minutes and three ingredients:
*Boursin Cheese (an herby cream cheese sold in supermarkets)
*Parsley (Italian or regular will do)
*Crackers (pretty much anything goes)
That’s it. The simplicity is why I call it a Cheater’s Cheese Ball, since something so tasty shouldn’t be so darn easy. And while it’s not traditional, it is super tasty and when served on a pretty plate with crackers and a glass of something sparkly to drink? It feels like a party…even if it’s a just a party of one, or two, or five.
Side note: I’ll be doing a demo of my Cheater’s Cheese Ball on Instagram this Wednesday, so find me there.
More simple holiday appetizers:
Smoked Salmon Potato Chip Canapes
Fancy Smashed Pea Toast with Marinated Feta
Blue Cheese and Persimmon Crostini
Polenta Crostini with Sautéed Spinach and Capers by Pamela Salzman
Avocado Hummus Platter from Sarah Copeland
Cheater’s Cheese Ball
This is as simple as it gets when it comes to making a festive party appetizer. Start with your favorite variety of Boursin, a creamy herb cheese sold in supermarkets. Mold it into a smooth ball and coat in chopped parsley. That’s it. If you feeling like turning it up a notch, add finely chopped walnuts to your herbs and roll the cheese in the combination of the two.
Ingredients
- One 5.2 ounce round Garlic and Fine Herbs Boursin Cheese (or other favorite variety)
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
- Crackers for serving
Instructions
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Remove Boursin from foil packaging. Roll the cheese between the palms of your hands into a smooth ball.
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Pile the chopped parsley on a cutting board and roll the Boursin ball into the parsley until it is completely coated
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Put the cheese ball on a serving plate and add crackers and a little knife for serving.
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