Mini Mexican Cheese Balls

Prep time: 20 minutes

Chill time: several hours or overnight

1 cup thickly shredded Mexican blend or Pepper-Jack cheese

1 (10-oz.) container Stonemill Kitchens Artichoke Jalapeno & Parmesan or 

     Spicy Pepper & 3 Cheese Dip

1 (8-oz.) block cream cheese, softened

1 tablespoon dried chopped onion (optional)

Chopped fresh cilantro

Pretzel sticks or toothpicks

Stir together all ingredients in a small bowl until well blended. Cover and refrigerate until very firm. Roll into 3/4-inch balls and roll in cilantro. Place in a shallow container an refrigerate again until very firm. Transfer to a decorative platter with pretzel sticks or toothpicks. Makes 32 cheese balls. 

Variation:

For an Italian flavor, use Stonemill Kitchens Artichoke & Parmesan dip, replacing cheese with shredded smoked mozzarella cheese. Roll in chopped fresh Italian parsley or basil.