Cheese Ball And Green Onions: How Long Is It Safe?

Cheese balls are a classic holiday appetizer and can be made with a variety of ingredients, including cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, and spices. They are typically coated in chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds and served with crackers, pretzels, or vegetables. While they are best served fresh, cheese balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, depending on the freshness of the ingredients used. To extend the shelf life further, they can be frozen for up to one month.

How to make a cheese ball

A cheese ball with green onions can be kept for up to a week in the refrigerator if it is not coated in nuts. If it is coated in nuts, it will stay fresh for several days or up to 2 weeks.

Now, here is how to make a cheese ball:

Ingredients:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese (avoid pre-shredded cheese)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Dash of freshly ground black pepper
• 2/3 cup pecans, finely chopped

Method:

• Place the cream cheese in a mixing bowl and mix until smooth.
• Add the cheese, green onion, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, parsley, garlic powder, oregano, and pepper, then mix well to combine.
• Use a rubber spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl and gather the mixture into one lump.
• Lightly grease your hands and form the mixture into a round ball.
• Place the pecans on a plate. Hold the cheese ball in one hand and use the other hand to scoop the pecans onto the outside of the ball, pressing them in gently and turning the ball to coat all sides.
• Cover the cheese ball in cling wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour to allow it to firm up.
• Take it out of the refrigerator about 20 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly.

Serve the cheese ball with crackers, pretzels, vegetables, or anything else you'd like to dip in cheese!

How long does it last?

A cheese ball with green onions can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for several days or up to 2 weeks, depending on the freshness of the ingredients used. To estimate how long it will last, you can check the expiration dates of the individual ingredients. If you plan to coat your cheese ball in nuts, it is recommended to do so closer to serving, as they may become soft if added too early.

When making a cheese ball, it is important to allow the cream cheese to soften before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will ensure that the mixture is smooth and free of clumps. After forming the cheese ball, it should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.

If you want to make your cheese ball ahead of time, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. However, it is important to use fresh ingredients to ensure the cheese ball's longevity. Additionally, you can freeze a cheese ball for up to 1 month. When freezing, it is recommended to wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container.

Storing instructions

A cheese ball with green onions should be stored in the refrigerator and will generally stay fresh for several days. However, depending on the freshness of your ingredients, it can be stored for up to 2 weeks. To estimate how long your cheese ball will remain fresh, check the expiration dates on the ingredients you have used. If you have recently purchased the ingredients, your cheese ball should last for about 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Leftover cheese balls can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.

If you want to make your cheese ball ahead of time, you can prepare it without coating it in nuts and store it in an airtight container or bag in the refrigerator for up to a week. An hour before serving, coat it with nuts and refrigerate until serving.

You can also freeze your cheese ball. To do so, wrap it well in plastic wrap (without nuts) and place it in a freezer-safe ziplock bag. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, and add nuts once it is completely thawed.

Freezing instructions

To freeze a cheese ball with green onions, follow these steps:

Firstly, make the cheese ball according to your chosen recipe. Before freezing, do not coat the cheese ball in nuts or any other toppings, as these will not freeze well and will become soft. Wrap the cheese ball tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap. Ensure that no part of the cheese ball is exposed to the air, as this will cause freezer burn once in the freezer. Place the wrapped cheese ball into a freezer-safe bag. Seal the bag, and then label and date it. If you are worried about the cheese ball being accidentally squashed in the freezer, place the bag inside a hard-sided freezer-safe container.

A cheese ball can be stored in the freezer for up to one month. To thaw the cheese ball, remove it from the freezer the night before you plan to serve it and leave it in the refrigerator overnight. Once the cheese ball is completely thawed, add your chosen toppings, such as nuts or bacon bits, and keep it in the refrigerator until serving.

What to serve with a cheese ball

A cheese ball is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some ideas to elevate your cheese ball and create a delicious snack platter:

Crackers

The classic companion to a cheese ball, crackers provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy cheese. Opt for artisan crackers, such as rosemary and sea salt or everything sourdough crackers, or go for simple water biscuits or saltines.

Breads

Sliced baguette, crostini, pita chips, or even toasted mini bagels are all excellent choices to pair with a cheese ball. Sourdough bread, in particular, offers a tangy flavour that complements the creaminess of the cheese.

Vegetables

For a healthier option, serve your cheese ball with an assortment of fresh vegetables. Carrots, celery, fennel, cauliflower florets, and radishes are all great choices. If you're feeling creative, you can even make crunchy pita chips by slicing a pita triangle into triangles and baking them until crispy.

Fruits

The sweetness of fruit pairs surprisingly well with the savouriness of a cheese ball. Try pairing your cheese ball with pear or apple slices, or go for dried fruit options such as candied nuts or dried cranberries.

Nuts

Toasted nuts, such as pecans, almonds, or chopped parsley, can be used to coat the outside of the cheese ball or served on the side as an accompaniment.

Other Options

Pretzels, roasted potato wedges, or even a simple crudité platter can also be served alongside a cheese ball. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite pairings!

Frequently asked questions