Basketball Cheese Ball Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

1. 1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA 1/3 Less Fat than Cream Cheese, softened
2. 1/2 cup (1/2 of 8-oz. tub) PHILADELPHIA Spicy Jalapeño Cream Cheese Spread
3. 1 pkg. (8 oz.) KRAFT Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
4. 1/2 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese
5. 1/2 cup KRAFT Classic Ranch Dressing
6. 2 green onions, chopped
7. 1 pkg. (3 oz.) OSCAR MAYER Real Bacon Bits
8. 8 red pepper strips (1/4 x 2-inch)

DIRECTIONS:

• Beat all ingredients except bacon bits, peppers and parsley with mixer until blended. Refrigerate several hours.
• Form into basketball shape on platter. Coat with bacon bits. Add pepper strips for the stitching.

KITCHEN TIPS:

• To soften Neufchatel Cheese, place completely unwrapped package of cheese in microwaveable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 10 sec. or just until softened.
• This cheese spread can be shaped to resemble a football, basketball or baseball to match any sports occasion.

Used with permission from Kraft Foods