Flavors-of-the-World Cheese Bites

INGREDIENTS

2 pkg (8 oz/250 g each) cream cheese, softened

3 tbsp (45 mL) mayonnaise

2   green onions, thinly sliced

1 tsp (5 mL) Worcestershire sauce

Variation Mix-Ins

Mexican

2 oz (60 g) Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeño peppers, grated (½ cup/125 mL)

1 tbsp (15 mL) Tex-Mex or Chipotle Rub

Coating: ½  cup (125 mL) finely chopped unsalted whole pumpkin seeds

French

1 oz (30 g) blue cheese crumbles (2 tbsp/30 mL)

2 tbsp (30 mL) finely chopped fresh parsley

1 tsp (5 mL) honey

Coating: ½ cup (125 mL) finely chopped sliced almonds or pecans 

Indian

2 oz (60 g) sharp white cheddar cheese, grated (1/2 cup/125 mL)

2 tbsp (30 mL) mango chutney

¼ tsp (1 mL) each chili powder and curry powder

1 tbsp (15 mL) finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves

¼ tsp (1 mL) salt

Coating: ½ cup (125 mL) sweetened flaked coconut or finely chopped cashews

Korean

2 oz (60 g) mozzarella cheese, grated (1/2 cup/125mL)

1 tbsp (15 mL) red chili paste

¼ cup (50 mL) kimchi, finely chopped

1 tsp (5 mL) lime zest

¼ tsp (1 mL) salt

Coating: ¼ cup (50 mL) black sesame seeds 

DIRECTIONS

1. Choose 3 variations (see Cook’s Tips). Prepare the mix-ins. Place the cream cheese into a large mixing bowl; whisk until smooth. Stir in mayonnaise, onions, and Worcestershire sauce until blended.

2. Evenly divide cream cheese mixture into 3 small mixing bowls (about ¾ cup/175 mL each). Add mix-ins, except for coatings; mix well. Refrigerate, covered, at least 1 hour or overnight.

3. When ready to serve, place coatings into three small bowls. Using a level Small Scoop, drop cheese balls into bowl. Spoon crumbs over cheese bites to coat. 

4. To serve, place cheese bites on the Slate Serving Board or Ash Wood Serving Board with the Ash Wood Serving Set.

5. Makes 16  servings of 3 bites each.

Cook's Tips:

• If desired, one variation can be made by tripling the mix-in ingredients. 

• Cheese bites can be made ahead of time, and refrigerated for up to 3-5 days days, or frozen for up to 1 month. 

• Kimchi is a spicy pickled cabbage condiment that is a staple of Korean cuisine. It can be found in the refrigerated or ethnic aisle in major grocery stores.