Happy New Year! ~ Pimento Cheese Balls

We closed 2017 and rang in 2018 with one of our favorite recipes from the past year. 🙂 I made my pimento cheese into individual portions, so everyone could easily grab one onto their plate. I also dressed them up for the party with a few adorable New Year flags from IsiDesigns!

Pimento Cheese Balls

Makes about 12 cheese balls

Approximately 2 cups sliced almonds

2 ounces extra sharp cheddar, coarsely grated

1/2 cup reduced-fat cream cheese

1 teaspoon mayonnaise

2 tablespoons jarred pimentos, drained and squeezed to remove excess liquid

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

1/8 teaspoon onion powder

Pinch of cayenne

Chop the almonds coarsely. Set them aside in a shallow bowl.

In the bowl of a food processor, add the remaining ingredients. Process until smooth.

Transfer the cheese to an airtight storage container, and refrigerate overnight.

After the cheese is chilled, scoop it into 1 tablespoon portions. Roll the chilled cheese in your hands to make a ball. Roll the ball in the almonds until evenly coated. Repeat with the remaining portions of cheese.