Ingredients:
2 cups grated Cabot extra sharp cheddar
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
3 oz smoked nova salmon
1 inch chunk of shallot, minced
1/2 cup minced flat leaf parsley
Directions:
Place the cheese, cream cheese, shallot, salmon and Worcestershire sauce in a blender. Pulse until smooth. Scrape into a bowl and chill for 30 minutes to an hour. Scrape it out of the bowl and shape into a ball. Sprinkle the parsley in a shallow bowl and roll the ball into the cheese until evenly coated. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in refrigerator overnight. Bring to room temperature before serving.
My thoughts:
Cheese balls were quite a hit in entertaining scene during the 1960s. They continue to be a favorite because they can be made ahead of time (in fact they are better made 24 hours in advance) and really, who doesn’t enjoy spreadable cheese? This one has a slight pink tint and a wonderful smoky salmon flavor. Perfect to spread on crackers or even bread.
Note: most delis and grocery stores that sell smoked salmon also sell little tubs of “ends” leftover from cutting the big sheets of lox. Often they are half the price of the regular smoked salmon and the pieces are generally quite large. They are also perfect for something like this when you need just a bit of smoked salmon.
Cheese balls are one of my favourite things to make when having people over. This looks like a great one to add to my repertoire. I love smoked salmon and cream cheese.
Mmmm, that looks yummy. Never had one with smoked salmon.
Great picture!
Love cheese balls! My mom used to make a salmon one for Christmas and it was awesome. 😀
My Aunt Deb makes wonderfully, addictive cheese every holiday. The family gets upset when she forgets to make extra for us to take home.
Just like we have doughnut shops, coffee shops, cupcake shops, someone should open a Cheese Ball shop. I bet it would go over like hotcakes.
This is beautiful photo, by the way. You do a wonderful work here.
This looks wonderful! Funny, my husband and I were just talking about cheese balls the other day. Love the tip about looking for ends at the deli, too!
Oooh! This looks so tasty. I like to add a little class to the typical game food for Superbowl. 🙂 this would be perfect!
My grandmother still hauls over an almond covered cheese ball every holiday. It makes me remember when I was a kid and would put the olives, that served as a decorative garnish, on my fingers. Your version sounds much more elegant.
Fantastic! You’re gonna need more than 6 crackers, tho… 😉
Love the idea for using this with the end bits.