Prepare these one-bite appetizers ahead of time and they'll sit conveniently in your refrigerator until guests arrive. The coating of nuts over the creamy cheese will keep your guests' hands clean as they mingle.
- Prep time 20 minutes
- Total time 20 minutes
- Credits : Canadian Living Magazine
Ingredients
Method
In nonstick skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towel–lined plate to drain. Chop into 1/4-inch pieces.
Meanwhile, in food processor, pulse almonds until coarsely ground. Transfer to shallow bowl.
In large bowl, combine bacon, goat cheese, green onions, garlic and pepper. Roll by scant 1 tbsp into balls. Roll in almonds, pressing to adhere. (Make-ahead: Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 24 hours.)
Makes about 24 pieces.
CHANGE IT UP
Basil and Lemon Cheese Balls
Omit bacon, almonds and garlic. Stir 1 1/2 tsp grated lemon zest and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil into goat-cheese mixture.
Cranberry and Pistachio Cheese Balls
Omit bacon, green onions and garlic; substitute unsalted shelled pistachios for the almonds. Stir 1/3 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped, into goat-cheese mixture.
Nutritional facts Per piece: about
- Sodium 60 mg
- Protein 4 g
- Calories 61.0
- Total fat 5 g
- Cholesterol 9 mg
- Saturated fat 2 g
- Total carbohydrate 1 g
%RDI
- Iron 3.0
- Folate 1.0
- Calcium 3.0
- Vitamin A 4.0
