The Art Of Forming Ball Cheese: Time And Techniques

Forming a ball of cheese is a simple process, but it does require a bit of time and patience. The first step is to ensure that all your ingredients are at room temperature, as this will ensure they combine smoothly. Next, mix your cheeses and any additional flavourings until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. Now it's time to shape your cheese into a ball. Using your hands or a spatula, form the mixture into a rough ball and place it in the centre of a large piece of plastic wrap. Twist the plastic wrap closed and chill the cheese in the fridge for at least an hour. Once chilled, remove the cheese from the fridge and unwrap. It's now ready to be rolled in your chosen coating, such as nuts, seeds or spices. And that's it! Your cheese ball is formed and ready to be served or stored in the fridge.

How to form a ball of cheese

Forming a ball of cheese is a simple process, but it does require a bit of time and patience. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to form a delicious and visually appealing cheese ball:

Ingredients:

• Cream cheese: Ensure it is at room temperature and full-fat for the best consistency and flavour.
• Cheddar cheese: Medium or sharp cheddar adds a nice tang, and freshly grate it yourself for optimal taste and texture.
• Onion and garlic powder: These add savoury notes and a hint of saltiness.
• Mayonnaise: This ingredient gives the cheese ball a rich, creamy texture and makes it scoopable.
• Lemon juice: A secret ingredient that brightens the flavour and adds a subtle freshness.
• Chopped nuts: Pecans, almonds, or your favourite variety, finely chopped, add a crunchy texture and extra flavour.
• Fresh herbs: Parsley, chives, or dill provide a fresh aroma and taste.

Optional Ingredients:

• Spices: Paprika, smoked paprika, or caraway seeds can enhance the flavour profile.
• Dried fruits: Apricots, figs, dates, or cranberries offer a sweet contrast to the savoury cheese.
• Meats: Minced dried sausages, pepperoni, salami, or bacon bits add a savoury, chewy element.

Instructions:

• Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix until smooth and well-incorporated. You can use a spatula or your hands, but be sure to spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Form the mixture into a rough ball shape using your hands or a spatula. It doesn't have to be perfect at this stage.
• Place the cheese ball on a large piece of plastic wrap and bring the sides of the wrap up around the ball, twisting the top closed. This will help mould the cheese into a more spherical shape.
• Chill the cheese ball in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes to allow it to firm up and solidify slightly, making it easier to work with.
• While the cheese ball chills, prepare your coating by mixing the chopped nuts and fresh herbs on a plate. You can also use breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for the coating if preferred.
• Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Roll the cheese ball in the coating mixture, gently pressing and turning it to ensure an even coating. This step will also help you achieve a perfectly round shape.
• Once coated, wrap the cheese ball again and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This will allow it to firm up and ensure it holds its shape.
• Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before serving to let it come to room temperature. This step enhances the flavour and makes it easier to spread.
• Serve the cheese ball with an assortment of crackers, pretzels, crudités, or apple slices. Enjoy!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips:

You can make a cheese ball up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, it is best to wait to add the coating until just before serving to prevent it from getting soggy. To store, wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and aluminium foil to maintain its shape and prevent spoilage.

How long does a cheese ball last?

A cheese ball is a mixture of cream cheese, grated semi-soft or semi-firm cheese, and added flavourings, which are then shaped into a ball and often rolled in nuts, seeds, or crushed nuts.

The length of time a cheese ball lasts depends on whether it is store-bought or homemade, and what ingredients are used.

Commercially-Made Cheese Balls

These are usually stamped with a "best before" date, which is a reasonably reliable guide. However, this assumes the cheese ball has been kept refrigerated, and if it was allowed to warm to room temperature at any point, it could spoil before this date.

Homemade Cheese Balls

Homemade cheese balls won't last as long as a commercial product. The rule of thumb is that they will last as long as your most perishable ingredient. As the main ingredient in a cheese ball is usually cream cheese, which ordinarily lasts for a week or two in the fridge once opened, a homemade cheese ball will typically last for around the same amount of time. However, if you've used fresh herbs, diced fruit, cream, or other perishable ingredients, the storage life of your cheese ball might be reduced to 24-48 hours.

If you've added meats or fruits to your cheese ball, it's recommended that you shorten the storage time to around 48 hours.

Once you unwrap your cheese ball and set it out for guests, it should only be left out for around 1-2 hours. After two hours, any unused portions should be discarded for safety reasons.

Because of the bacteria found in soft cheese, a cheese ball can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Yes, you can freeze a homemade cheese ball, but you need to take the extra step of placing it in a freezer bag and pressing out all the air to keep ice crystals and stale flavours at bay.

A cheese ball can be kept in the freezer for up to one month.

What ingredients are needed?

Cheese balls are a mixture of cream cheese, grated semi-soft or semi-firm cheese, and flavourings. They are usually rolled in a coating of seeds, nuts, or spices.

For the base, you will need cream cheese at room temperature. This is the classic foundation, but you could also use mascarpone, quark, neufchatel, creamy feta, soft goat cheese, or fromage blanc.

For the second cheese, you can use any semi-soft or semi-firm cheese that is not crumbly, such as Colby, Havarti, fontina, cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gouda, Swiss, Gruyère, blue, Stilton, Gorgonzola, or Roquefort. Grate the cheese and mix it with the cream cheese until smooth.

For flavourings, you can add:

• Freshly squeezed lemon juice, Cognac, sherry, port wine, or whiskey
• Worcestershire sauce
• Hot sauce
• Garlic, 1/2 small shallot, or 1/4 small sweet onion, peeled and grated
• Spices, such as paprika, smoked paprika, or caraway seeds
• Minced fresh herbs, such as flat-leaf parsley, chives, dill, rosemary, sage, or thyme
• Minced dried fruit (such as apricots, figs, dates, or cranberries)
• Minced, dried sausages or firm, cured meats (such as pepperoni, salami, or chorizo)

To coat the cheese ball, you can use:

• Chopped roasted nuts, such as pecans, almonds, or walnuts
• Seeds, such as crushed nuts or freshly ground spices
• Chopped dried fruit
• Crushed crackers or pretzels
• Crumbled, cooked bacon or prosciutto

How to store a cheese ball

A cheese ball is a great make-ahead option for a party or gathering. It can be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week in advance. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store a cheese ball:

Storing Uncoated Cheese Balls:

Before storing, wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap, then collect and twist the plastic at the top. Then, wrap the plastic-wrapped cheese ball in aluminium foil and shape it with your hands. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to a week.

Storing Coated Cheese Balls:

If your cheese ball is coated in nuts, seeds, or bacon, it is best to leave the coating off until just before serving, as it can get soft and mushy within a few hours. If you have already coated your cheese ball, it is best to consume it within a few hours.

Food Safety:

Once you have served your cheese ball, it should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. After this time, any unused portions should be discarded.

Freezing Cheese Balls:

Freezing cheese balls is not recommended, as the texture and flavour can be affected. However, if you wish to freeze a cheese ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then add any coating before serving.

What to serve with a cheese ball

A cheese ball is a versatile food that can be served with a variety of snacks. Here are some ideas for what to serve with a cheese ball:

Crackers

Crackers are a classic choice to serve with a cheese ball. Artisan crackers, such as those made with dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, pistachios, or dried apricots, can add a crunchy and crisp texture to the creamy cheese. Water biscuits, saltines, and everything sourdough crackers are also good options to serve with a cheese ball.

Breads

Bread is another option for serving with a cheese ball. Sourdough bread, French bread, and baguette slices can be paired with a cheese ball for a savory appetizer. Toasted baguette slices, also known as crostini, can be topped with a cheese ball for a crunchy and creamy bite. Pita bread can also be used, either as a pocket for the cheese or as pita chips.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables can provide a fresh and healthy contrast to the rich cheese ball. Pear and apple slices are a good option, especially with a blue cheese ball or a cheddar cheese ball, respectively. Carrot and celery sticks are also a classic choice, while fennel, cauliflower florets, and radishes can add a more unique flavor and texture.

Pretzels

Pretzels are a thin, crispy, and salty option for serving with a cheese ball. They are often forgotten as a vehicle for cheese and dips, but they can be easily dipped into the soft cheese ball, scooping up the goodness without the need for a knife.

Nuts

Nuts are a common ingredient in cheese balls, and they can also be served on the side. Toasted or candied nuts can be a tasty and crunchy accompaniment to the cheese.

Other Ideas

• Halved and toasted mini bagels
• Roasted potato wedges
• Pickles
• Olives
• Grapes
• Dried fruit

So, get creative and enjoy your cheese ball with a variety of tasty snacks!

Frequently asked questions