Food Appetizers and Condiments Make-Ahead Cheese Ball with Olives and Almonds 1.0 (1) When you want to get your party prep out of the way early, these cheese balls are just what you need. Make them up to three months ahead of time, then freeze. By Midwest Living editors Midwest Living editors Midwest Living's experienced editors create best-in-class travel, lifestyle, food, home and garden content you won't find anywhere else. We're loudly, proudly Midwestern, and we're passionate about helping our audience explore and create through award-winning storytelling. Midwest Living's Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 17, 2024 Rate PRINT Share Prep Time: 15 mins Chill Time: 4 hrs Stand Time: 45 mins Total Time: 5 hrs Servings: 56 Yield: 2 balls (3 1/2 cups) Jump to Nutrition Facts Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) Ingredients 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese ½ cup butter ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (2 ounces) 1 4.25 ounce can sliced pitted ripe olives, drained 2 tablespoons chopped green onion or snipped fresh chives ⅔ cup coarsely chopped almonds, toasted Assorted crackers and/or apple or pear slices Directions In a large bowl, place cream cheese, butter and blue cheese; let stand 30 minutes to reach room temperature. With an electric mixer, beat mixture on low speed until smooth. Stir in olives and green onion. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours. Shape mixture into 2 balls; cover and chill until serving time. (Or, place in a freezer container and freeze up to 3 months. Let thaw in refrigerator overnight before serving.) To serve, roll in nuts. Let stand for 15 minutes. Serve with assorted crackers or apple or pear slices. Rate PRINT Nutrition Facts (per serving) 55 Calories 6g Fat 1g Carbs 1g Protein Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label Nutrition Facts Servings Per Recipe 56 Calories 55 % Daily Value * Total Fat 6g 8% Saturated Fat 3g 15% Cholesterol 14mg 5% Sodium 69mg 3% Total Carbohydrate 1g 0% Protein 1g 2% Calcium 20mg 2% Iron 0mg 1%