Snowball Surprise Party Ball
A creamy, cheesy ball coated with crunchy French fried onions, perfect for parties and gatherings, offering rich flavors with a hint of pimiento and green pepper.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cream cheese and shredded Cheddar cheese until well blended.
- Add chopped pimiento, chopped bell pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Gently blend in crushed bacon bits and 1 cup of crushed French fried onions.
- Shape the mixture into a ball, then roll in the remaining crushed French fried onions to coat.
- Chill until ready to serve.
- Serve with assorted crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. You can substitute the Cheddar cheese with a blend of Monterey Jack and Gouda for a different flavor profile. For a lighter option, consider using low-fat cream cheese. Add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick, which complements the savory elements of the dish. This recipe is also a great pairing with Cheater'S Chowder.
Serving Suggestions
This Snowball Surprise Party Ball is perfect for entertaining and pairs well with an assortment of crackers, such as water crackers or whole grain. For a festive touch, serve with colorful vegetable sticks like carrots and celery. It can also be a delightful addition to a cheese platter alongside fruits and nuts. Consider serving it with a side of Tomato Cream Sauce for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing this dish as the cream cheese may separate upon thawing. When ready to serve again, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften slightly before serving with fresh crackers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Snowball Surprise Party Ball contains roughly 114 calories, with 5g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (177% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2013mg per serving (88% 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 this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Snowball Surprise Party Ball a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe, shape the ball, and coat it in the crushed French fried onions. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and you’ll have a ready-to-serve appetizer for your gathering.
What can I use instead of bacon bits?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can replace bacon bits with toasted sunflower seeds or chopped olives for a salty flavor. Additionally, there are plant-based bacon bits available at many grocery stores that can provide a similar taste without the meat. Just ensure any substitute you choose complements the overall flavor profile.
What type of crackers work best with this dish?
For the best pairing, choose a variety of crackers such as buttery Ritz, whole grain, or crispbread. The light, crispy texture of these options enhances the creamy cheese ball. You can also offer flavored crackers, such as herb or garlic, to add another layer of taste that complements the savory elements of the Snowball Surprise Party Ball.
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).