Philly Cheese Bell
Delightful bell-shaped cheese balls featuring sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and fresh vegetables, perfect for party appetizers or casual gatherings with a savory, creamy flavor profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cold pack cheese food and softened cream cheese, mixing until well blended.
- Add chopped onion, chopped green pepper, chopped pimento, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and mix well.
- Mold into bell shapes using two cold pack containers lined with plastic wrap or coated with margarine.
- Chill until firm.
- Unmold the cheese bells.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and pimento strips, if desired.
- Serve with Triscuits.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother mix, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before combining it with the cold pack cheese. If you want a little kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. You can also substitute the sharp cheddar flavor with other varieties like garlic or herb cheese for different tastes.
Serving Suggestions
These Philly Cheese Bells are perfect for parties and pair beautifully with Triscuits or your favorite crackers. Serve them alongside fresh veggies for a colorful platter or with a selection of fruits for a sweet contrast. They also make a great appetizer for gatherings, complementing hearty dishes like Heavenly Baked Potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If the cheese bells become too soft, you can briefly chill them again to firm up before serving. It's best to keep them unassembled until ready to serve to maintain their shape.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Philly Cheese Bell contains roughly 373 calories, with 7g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 559mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cheese bells in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese bells a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Just ensure they are tightly wrapped to maintain freshness. This makes them a convenient option for party planning.
What can I use instead of pimento?
If you can't find pimento, you can substitute it with diced roasted red peppers or even chopped olives for a unique flavor. These alternatives will still provide a nice color and taste to the cheese mixture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians as it doesn't contain any meat products. However, always check the labels of your ingredients, especially the cold pack cheese, to ensure they meet your dietary preferences.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).