To make mixing ingredients easier, I melt the cream cheese in the microwave. I mix all ingredients into the melted cream cheese, then chill before making it into a ball. Once chilled, I use a spoon to get mixture out and form it into a ball. Its less messy this way too, the mixture isn't as sticky :) Thanks for sharing your recipe...Yummy!

I made this for a recent christmas party it was a huge hit.....the only thing i did different from the recipe was omit the tomatoes because i don't like them....and add 1 extra tsp of taco seasoning....it was the first thing gone off the table...

sounds yummy! where can i get the fiesta grated cheese - ilive in pittsburgh tk u carolyn

LOVED!! I made it for my husbands thanksgiving dinner at work. Everyone loved it. I even had a couple people ask for the recipe. It was a big hit and easy too.

Absolute HUGE hit at 2011 Superbowl Party! But I incorporated my grated cheese (8 oz or 1 cup) into the cheese ball along with the spice and tomatoes. It helps to hold it together well. Then I wrapped in plastic and chilled for several hours. Roll the whole works in chopped pecans. I made two...1 for the party and one for work on Monday. I served with Club crackers. Everyone loved it!

I added a little garlic juice, onion minced, & grated Parmesan cheese, rolled in pecans, wonderful!