Bushra Griffith
Cheese balls are a great appetizer for any occasion. They can be made with a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, goat cheese, cream cheese, and pepper jack, and can be customized with toppings like nuts, herbs, or bacon. They can also be made ahead of time and frozen for later use. When cooking frozen cheese balls, it is best to fry them directly from frozen at a temperature between 350 F and 375 F, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time. This will result in a crunchy exterior and a creamy, melted cheese texture inside.
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What You'll Learn
Frying frozen cheese balls
First, prepare the cheese mixture by combining shredded or cubed cheese with your choice of additional ingredients. Form the mixture into small balls, each weighing around 34 grams. You can use a medium cookie scooper or ice cream scooper to portion out the mixture evenly. At this stage, you can freeze the uncooked cheese balls by placing them in a single layer on a baking tray lined with foil and putting them in the freezer for 2-3 hours until they are frozen solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for long-term storage.
When you're ready to fry the cheese balls, heat a small pot with frying oil on medium-high heat. The ideal temperature range is between 350 F and 375 F. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature for best results. Once the oil is hot enough, gently place the cheese balls into the pan. It is important to agitate the bottom of the pan and move the balls gently from side to side for the first few seconds to prevent them from sticking together or to the pan.
Fry the cheese balls in batches, as frying too many at once can lower the oil temperature and affect the cooking process. Fry each batch for a few minutes until they turn golden brown. The frying time will depend on the size of your cheese balls and the temperature of the oil. Once they are golden brown, transfer the fried cheese balls to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Serve immediately, as reheating them may result in an oily texture. Enjoy your crunchy and creamy cheese balls as a snack or appetizer!
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Freezing cheese balls
First, prepare your cheese balls. Mix all the ingredients, including cheese, herbs, and spices. You can get creative with the ingredients, but it's best to avoid fresh fruit and vegetables as they can become watery and affect the consistency of the balls. Once mixed, shape the dough into balls with your hands or a spoon. This can get messy, so spraying your hands with non-stick cooking spray can help.
Next, wrap each cheese ball snugly in plastic wrap. This step is important to prevent the cheese balls from drying out and to maintain their shape. Then, wrap each ball in aluminium foil. This creates a barrier against odours and flavours from other foods in your freezer. Finally, place the wrapped cheese balls in an airtight container or freezer bag. This extra layer of protection helps prevent freezer burn and further safeguards the flavour and texture.
When it comes to freezing, it's best to place the uncooked cheese balls in a single layer on a baking tray lined with foil. Put them in the freezer for 2-3 hours until they are frozen solid. After that, you can transfer them to their permanent storage container or bag and keep them in the freezer.
Properly frozen cheese balls can last in the freezer for up to three months while maintaining their flavour and texture. To thaw, simply move them to the refrigerator for six hours or overnight, keeping them wrapped. Before serving, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Add any garnishes, such as nuts, herbs, or spices, and serve with bread or crackers.
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Flavour combinations
When it comes to flavour combinations for cheese balls, there are several ingredients that can be added to the mix to create a burst of flavours. Here are some ideas:
Spices and Herbs
Spices such as oregano, chilli flakes, black pepper, and Italian seasoning can enhance the flavour of the cheese balls. For a subtle kick, add some hot sauce to balance the richness of the cheese. Fresh or dried herbs like parsley and green onions (scallions) can also be mixed in, providing a fresh, subtly sharp flavour.
Nuts
Finely chopped nuts can be used to coat the cheese balls. Pecans, almonds, or other nuts of your choice can be pressed onto the surface of the cheese balls for a crunchy texture and buttery finish.
Vegetables
Vegetables such as diced bell peppers, sweet corn, and grated potato can add flavour and texture to the cheese balls. Potato, in particular, helps bind the ingredients together and blends well with the cheese.
Meat
For meat lovers, bacon bits can be added to the cheese balls for a savoury, smoky flavour.
Fruits
Chopped dates can be mixed into the cheese balls for a sweet and chewy contrast to the savoury elements.
Dairy
Using a combination of cheeses can create a delightful blend of flavours and textures. For example, mozzarella and cheddar, or goat cheese and cream cheese, can be mixed together to achieve a stringy texture and a creamy flavour.
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Coating cheese balls
Another option for coating cheese balls is to use a combination of herbs and spices. Herbs such as parsley or scallions can be mixed with spices like Worcestershire sauce and a dash of hot sauce to create a flavorful coating. This method adds a fresh and savory element to the cheese balls. Similar to the nut coating, this herb and spice mixture can be prepared in advance and stored separately in an airtight container. Simply roll the cheese balls in the herb and spice mixture before serving.
For a more indulgent option, you can coat the cheese balls in crushed bacon bits or buttery roasted pecans. These coatings add a savory and crunchy dimension to the cheese balls. Similar to the previous methods, prepare the coatings in advance and roll the cheese balls in the desired topping before serving.
It is important to note that the cheese balls should be allowed to thaw completely before rolling them in the desired coating. Additionally, cheese balls are best served at room temperature to achieve a spreadable texture. Experiment with different coatings and combinations to find your favorite, and don't be afraid to get creative!
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Serving suggestions
Frozen cheese balls can be fried directly from frozen, with an extra minute or two added to the frying time. The ideal frying temperature is between 350 F & 375 F. Cheese balls are best served immediately after frying, as reheating them will result in an oily texture.
Cheese balls can be served as a sweet or savoury appetizer, or even as a dessert. They can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- As a classic holiday appetizer, a cheese ball can be served with a sleeve of crackers, pretzels, or veggies.
- For a gourmet twist, serve a cheese ball with a charcuterie board or appetizer spread.
- For a simple sidekick to a cheese ball, serve a crudité platter with carrots and celery, or upgrade with veggies like fennel, cauliflower florets, and radishes.
- Mini bagels are a perfect snacking size and pair well with cheese balls. Slice and toast them ahead of time so they're ready to go when it's time to eat.
- Salty pretzels can be dipped directly into cheese balls, scooping out the cheese without the need for a knife.
- For a zesty kick, pair a cheese ball with crostini. To make crostini, thinly slice a baguette, drizzle the slices with olive oil, and bake them at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes until golden and toasted.
- For a sweet and salty pairing, serve cheese balls with pretzels and a side of graham crackers or teddy grahams for dipping.
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Frequently asked questions
To cook frozen cheese balls, fry them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the frying time. The ideal frying temperature is between 350 F & 375 F.
To freeze cheese balls, place uncooked cheese balls in a single layer on a baking tray lined with foil and put them in the freezer for 2-3 hours. Then, transfer the cheese balls to an airtight container or freezer bag and place them back in the freezer.
Frozen cheese balls will last for up to 1 month in the freezer.
