CHICKEN CHEESE BALL

I suppose there's some sort of big game going on later this week, but for me it's just an opportunity to make good snacks, watch humorous commercials, critique the half time show, and chill on the sofa!  If you're looking for something new and easy to add to your snack/appetizer recipe repertoire, I've got just the thing for you today.

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This cheese ball was always a staple when I started playing with my first group of Bunco friends 20+ years ago when we lived in Fort Worth.  It's been a regular addition to potlucks, fellowships, holiday gatherings, and parties around here ever since!

It can be made in a flash with just a few simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.

Chicken Cheese Ball

(2) 8 oz. blocks of cream cheese, softened (low fat is ok)
1 large can of chicken (about 12 oz.)
1 envelope (2-3 tablespoons) of dry ranch mix
chopped pecans

Allow cream cheese to soften, and put in a mixing bowl.  Drain chicken and add, separating chunks.  Finally, add dry ranch mix.  Mix until ingredients are well incorporated.  I always mix by hand but don't know why I don't use my Kitchen Aid with the paddle beater, that would be so much easier!

Form mixture into a ball and chill until firm (at least an hour).  In the mean time, finely chop pecans.  I think I started with about 1/2 cup of pecan halves, and it was plenty once they were chopped.  I got this mini-chopper almost 22(!) years ago as a wedding gift, and it comes in so handy for jobs like this (it also makes great Oreo crumbs for this recipe).  It chops very finely in just a few seconds.  

When cheese ball is chilled, roll in chopped pecans to coat.  

Can be wrapped in plastic wrap and stored for days until ready to use.  

Before ready to serve, allow cheese ball to come to room temperature so it is easy to spread.  

Need more game-worthy snacks?  These are all winners!

 Italian Nachos

Cream Cheese Dip

Sweet and Tangy Meatballs

Jalapeno Poppers



What's your favorite football/party snack?

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