Last year our neighbors invited us to a gathering for Easter. Being the new kids on the block, they told us we didn’t need to bring anything unless there was something that would make the day special for us.
It turns out that preparing food for others to enjoy was exactly what would make the day special! And since I had recently seen a cheeseball in the shape of a bunny rabbit, and knew there would be young children present, I knew one of the dishes I would be taking! (My famous Pigs-in-a-Blanket and Eva’s Banana Cupcakes with Maple Icing also appeared.)
Cream cheese is the main ingredient. But both mozzarella and parmesan cheese take an important role in contributing to the bunny appearance.
Cream cheese is mild and lends well to the addition of other flavorful ingredients. Since I had children in mind, I made sure my additives were mild…a little, very finely minced onion and parsley. But your imagination and taste buds can be your guide for adding garlic, jalapeños, green onions, crumbled bacon, red pepper flakes, parsley, nuts, dried fruit, etc.
The bunny rabbit needs time to chill in the refrigerator, so this is a great make ahead item.
Cheese Bunny Appetizer
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp finely minced onion
- 1 tbsp parsley
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
For decorating the bunny
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Thick slice of parmesan cheese to form ears
- a bit of olive for the eyes
- a piece of carrot for the nose
Instructions
- With a stand or hand mixer combine cheeses, onion, parsley and Worcestershire sauce. Use a little over a third of the mixture to form a ball for the bunny’s head. From the remaining mixture, shape the oval rabbit body. If it is too sticky to handle, dip your hands in cold water and/or chill the cheese mixture for 20 minutes.Press the remaining mozzarella to the outside of the head and body. Cut ear shapes out of the slice of parmesan cheese and push into the head for ears. Add small pieces of olives for eyes, and a little bit of carrot for the nose.
