Andy Montoya
Cheese balls are a versatile food that can be served as a sweet or savoury snack, an appetiser, or as part of a party spread. They can be made in a variety of sizes and shapes and coated in toppings such as nuts, seeds, dried fruit, fresh herbs, crushed biscuits, or spices. Cheese balls can be served with plain crackers, crostini, pretzels, bagels, pita bread, potato wedges, or crudités. They can also be shaped into a tree for a festive platter, with crackers and cheese spreaders as a trunk.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Occasion | Parties, holiday platters, appetizers |
| Presentation | Arranged like a tree, spread on a platter, or rolled across the lawn |
| Flavours | Sweet or savoury |
| Size | Large or small |
| Coatings | Nuts, seeds, dried fruit, fresh herbs, crushed biscuits, spices, crushed chips |
| Shapes | Balls, owls, pineapples, reindeers, snowmen, severed foot |
| Accompaniments | Crackers, bagels, crostini, pretzels, potato wedges, pita triangles, crudité platter, fruit, thin slices of toasted bread, mini bagels, baguette, biscuits, spreading knives |
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What You'll Learn
- Cheese ball accompaniments: crackers, pretzels, bagels, fruit, and vegetables
- How to present a cheese ball: on a platter, in a tree shape, or as a sandwich?
- Flavours and toppings: sweet or savoury, with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or herbs
- Cheese ball shapes: balls, pineapples, reindeers, or even a severed foot
- When to serve a cheese ball: at a party, or for Christmas?
Cheese ball accompaniments: crackers, pretzels, bagels, fruit, and vegetables
Crackers are a classic pairing with cheese balls. You can choose from a variety of crackers, such as water crackers, graham crackers, Ritz crackers, gourmet crackers, or thick crackers. If you want to get creative, you can even roll the cheese ball in crushed crackers.
Pretzels are another great option for dipping into soft cheese balls, scooping out the goodness without the need for a knife. Pretzel chips and crushed pretzels are also tasty alternatives.
Bagels, especially mini bagels, are perfect for snacking. Slice and toast them ahead of time, and they will be ready to go when your guests are ready to dig in. You can also make a bagel-inspired cheese ball by adding everything bagel seasoning and scallions to a cream cheese base.
When it comes to accompaniments, don't forget about fruits and vegetables. Apples, grapes, berries, and pears make great pairings with cheese balls. For vegetables, carrots, celery, cucumbers, bell peppers, and radishes are all sturdy options that can withstand the thickness of a cheese spread. You can also serve the cheese ball with a crudité platter or crostini on the side.
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How to present a cheese ball: on a platter, in a tree shape, or as a sandwich
There are many ways to present a cheese ball, whether on a platter, in a tree shape, or as a sandwich. Here are some ideas to get you started:
On a Platter
A traditional way to serve a cheese ball is on a platter or tray with crackers for dipping and spreading. You can also provide a selection of sturdy, cut vegetables, such as carrot sticks and celery, thick crackers or pita chips, clusters of grapes, dried figs, and toast points (great-quality toast slices with the crust cut off). Set out some small cheese knives or butter knives for spreading, along with napkins.
In a Tree Shape
If you want to get creative, you can shape your cheese ball into a festive tree. Start with a firm cheese ball mixture and shape it into a cone. Remove the plastic wrap and cover the cone with alternating rows of halved green olives and red pickled peppers. Finish it off with a Parmesan frico star topper—a thin, crispy, cracker-like cheese snack cut into a star shape.
As a Sandwich
Cheese balls can also be served as a sandwich filling. Simply spread the cheese ball mixture on your bread of choice and add your favourite sandwich toppings or fillings. You can even get creative and make a bagel-inspired cheese ball by using everything bagel seasoning and scallions in your cheese ball mixture.
No matter how you choose to present your cheese ball, remember that it's a versatile concept that can be customised to your taste. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients, shapes, and serving styles!
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Flavours and toppings: sweet or savoury, with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or herbs
Cheese balls are versatile and can be sweet or savoury. They can be coated in a variety of toppings, such as nuts, seeds, dried fruit, fresh herbs, crushed biscuits, or spices. For example, black sesame seeds would be a great addition for colour.
A classic savoury cheese ball can be made with Worcestershire sauce, brie, and cheddar, and rolled in chopped nuts. Alternatively, a simple savoury cheese ball can be made with scallions and everything-bagel seasoning. For a more unusual flavour, try making a kimchi cheese ball and coat it in Japanese rice snacks.
Sweet cheese balls can be made with dried cranberries, crystallised ginger, sweet gherkins, and pineapple. This can be coated in chopped peanuts.
When it comes to serving, a cheese ball can be accompanied by crackers, crudités, pretzels, bagels, apple slices, or toasted bread.
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Cheese ball shapes: balls, pineapples, reindeers, or even a severed foot
Cheese balls are a versatile treat, and you can get creative with their shapes. The traditional shape is a ball, but you can also try something more adventurous, like a pineapple, a reindeer, or even a severed foot!
If you're going for a ball, the classic method is to use plastic wrap to help form the shape. Place your cupped hands against the plastic wrap, gently pressing the cheese mixture into a round shape. Then, lift the remaining plastic, one piece at a time, to cover all sides and shape it into a ball. Twist the plastic at the top to secure it, then wrap it in foil and refrigerate for at least eight hours.
For a pineapple-shaped cheese ball, the process is similar. Start with a large piece of plastic wrap and form the cheese mixture into a ball. Then, to create the pineapple shape, use your hands to gently taper one end of the ball, forming a slight point. Follow the same refrigeration process as the traditional ball.
To make a reindeer-shaped cheese ball, you can get creative with the decorations. Start with a basic cheese ball shape, and then use chopped pecans, chives, basil, or dill to decorate the exterior, creating the reindeer's face and features. You can also add a few drops of hot sauce for a rosy "rudolph" nose!
Lastly, for the more adventurous option of a severed foot, you can shape the cheese mixture into a rough foot shape using plastic wrap. Use your hands to define the shape, creating a heel, toes, and an ankle. You can even add details like veins using a toothpick. Remember to refrigerate the cheese ball before serving to help it maintain its shape.
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When to serve a cheese ball: at a party, or for Christmas
Cheese balls are a fun and tasty treat to serve at a party or during the holidays. They are a great option for entertaining, as they are endlessly customisable and can be made ahead of time. While some may consider a party with only cheese balls gimmicky, they are a great addition to any party spread and can be a conversation starter.
Cheese balls are a versatile party food, as they can be served with a variety of accompaniments, such as crackers, bagels, pretzels, fruit, and vegetables. They can also be made with different types of cheese, seasonings, and coatings, allowing you to get creative and offer your guests a range of flavour sensations.
For a festive twist, consider making a cheese ball with seasonal ingredients. Cheese balls can be made in advance and stored in the fridge, making them a convenient option for holiday entertaining. They can be served as an appetiser or as part of a larger meal, and they are sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
Whether you're hosting a cocktail party, a holiday gathering, or a casual get-together, cheese balls are a great option to serve. They are a classic party food that is sure to please a crowd and can be made to suit any taste or dietary preference. So, the next time you're planning a party or holiday menu, consider adding cheese balls to the list!
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese balls are a fun and interactive food to serve at parties. They can be made ahead of time and are a good appetizer for guests to snack on.
Cheese balls can be made up to 6 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. If you plan to coat your cheese balls in crushed chips, do that just before serving so they stay crunchy.
Cheese balls can be served with a variety of foods such as crackers, pretzels, bagels, pita bread, crostini, crudités, and fruit.
Start with a cream cheese base and mix in your desired flavourings. Form the mixture into a ball and roll it in your preferred coating, such as nuts, seeds, dried fruit, fresh herbs, or spices. Place the cheese ball on a serving plate and let it come to room temperature before serving.
Cheese balls can be presented in a variety of ways. You can form them into different shapes, such as owls, pineapples, or snowmen. You can also arrange multiple cheese balls into the shape of a tree on a platter, filling in the gaps with crackers.
