Andy Montoya
Cheese balls are a versatile snack, and there are many foods that can be served with them. The classic choice is crackers, but there are many other options to choose from. For example, fresh fruit such as apple slices or pears can be used for dipping or spreading cheese balls. Similarly, toasted baguette slices, or crostini, can be used for spreading cheese. Salty snacks such as pretzels can also be used for dipping, and roasted potato wedges can be paired with cheese balls for a tasty treat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Crackers | Sleeve of crackers, graham crackers |
| Fruits | Apple slices, pear slices, grapes, dried fruit |
| Vegetables | Crispy potatoes, crudité platter, crostini, fresh veggie sticks |
| Bread | Pita, baguette slices, pretzels |
| Nuts | Toasted pecans, sliced almonds, candied nuts, chopped nuts |
| Seasonings | Parsley, chili powder, herbs, spices, garlic powder, scallions, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce |
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What You'll Learn
Crackers, pretzels and crostini
Crackers, pretzels, and crostini are all excellent options to serve with cheese balls. Crackers are a classic choice, providing a crunchy base for the soft cheese. They come in a variety of flavours and textures, from thin and crispy to hearty and dense, making them a versatile option. To avoid crackers breaking when dipping into the cheese ball, it is recommended to use a spreading knife to apply the cheese to the cracker.
Pretzels, with their salty flavour and unique texture, offer a delightful contrast to the creamy cheese ball. Their shape also makes them perfect for dipping, allowing guests to scoop up generous amounts of cheese with ease.
Crostini, thinly sliced baguette pieces drizzled with olive oil and baked until golden and toasted, provide a delightful crunch and subtle flavour to complement the cheese ball. The Italian-inspired crostini offers a more sophisticated take on the classic cracker, adding a touch of elegance to your cheese ball presentation.
When serving cheese balls with crackers, pretzels, or crostini, it is essential to consider the presentation. A cheese spreading knife is a useful tool to include, allowing guests to easily spread the cheese onto their chosen base. For a complete platter, consider adding a variety of crackers and pretzels, as well as fresh and dried fruits, nuts, and other savoury snacks to create a well-rounded and visually appealing spread.
Whether you opt for crackers, pretzels, or crostini, or perhaps a combination of all three, your guests are sure to enjoy the delicious pairing of these crunchy accompaniments with the creamy, flavourful cheese ball.
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Fruits and nuts
When it comes to serving cheese balls, fruits and nuts are a great option. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Fruits
Fruits such as apples and pears go well with cheese balls. Sliced apples pair well with cheddar cheese, while pears complement blue cheese particularly well. You can also try mixing in dried fruits such as cranberries or apricots to add a sweet and savory contrast to the cheese ball.
Nuts
Nuts provide a crunchy texture and can be used as a coating for cheese balls. Finely chopped nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, pistachios, or almonds, are commonly used. You can also experiment with different types of nuts, such as macadamia nuts or hazelnuts, to create your own unique combination. If you're preparing the cheese ball in advance, remember to add the nuts closer to serving to prevent them from becoming soft.
Combination Ideas
You can also combine fruits and nuts to create unique and flavorful pairings. For example, try rolling the cheese ball in crushed nuts and serving it with apple or pear slices on the side. Another option is to mix dried fruits directly into the cheese ball mixture, creating a sweet and savory flavor profile.
Cheese balls are versatile, and you can experiment with different combinations of fruits and nuts to find your favorite pairings. Remember to consider the type of cheese used in the cheese ball when choosing complementary fruits and nuts.
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Vegetables and dips
When it comes to vegetables and dips, there are plenty of options to serve with cheese balls. A crudité platter is a classic choice, with carrots, celery, cauliflower florets, and radishes all making excellent dipping vegetables. If you're looking for something a little more unusual, try fennel or sliced apples or pears—these pair especially well with blue cheese or cheddar cheese balls.
For dips, a good option is to provide a variety of crackers, breads, and pretzels for your guests to choose from. Artisan crackers, for example, are a crunchy and crisp option that can be made even more special with additions like dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, pistachios, or dried apricots. Water biscuits are a fragile, salty, and thin cracker that will add variety to your spread. Sourdough and French bread are also great choices to pair with a creamy cheese ball, and you can even cut the bread into bite-sized pieces to make it easier for your guests. Don't forget to include a spreading knife so that your guests don't have to dip the crackers directly into the cheese ball!
If you're looking for something a little more unusual, try pita chips. These can be flavored with a variety of spices and herbs, such as Parmesan herb garlic or a spicy combination of cayenne pepper and paprika. And, of course, don't forget the classic option of pretzels, which provide a salty contrast to the creamy cheese.
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Port wine and herbs
Port wine cheese balls are a delightful appetizer that can be served at any party. They are a retro classic, bringing back memories of the cocktail parties of the 1970s and 1980s. The combination of sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and port wine creates a delicious treat.
To make a port wine cheese ball, you'll need a few simple ingredients: sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, port wine, and various herbs and spices. The cheese ball is then rolled in a coating of your choice, such as nuts, herbs, or spices. Here are some specific examples and instructions:
- Spiced Pecans and Herbs: Spread spiced pecans on a plate and roll the cheese ball in them until evenly coated. You can also press the pecans onto the cheese ball with your hands. Then, about 45 minutes before serving, roll the ball in chopped herbs and let it sit at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
- Almonds with a Kick: Bake almond slices until toasted, then set them aside. In a food processor, combine sharp cheddar, cream cheese, port wine, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, and seasoned salt. Pulse until smooth. Form the mixture into a ball, then roll it in the toasted almonds. This version has a sneaky heat balanced with the sweet port wine.
- Cashew and Herb: Create a cashew cheese ball using creamy cashews, sun-dried tomatoes, and port wine. Then, roll the cheese ball in tender herbs for a fresh and flavorful coating.
Once you've made your port wine cheese ball, it's time to serve it! Here are some suggestions for what to serve with it:
- Crackers: Classic crackers, such as Ritz crackers, are a perfect pairing for cheese balls. They provide a crunchy base for spreading or dipping the cheese.
- Fruits: Apple slices are a particularly good match for cheddar cheese balls, while pears go well with blue cheese balls.
- Breads: Thinly slice a baguette, drizzle with olive oil, and bake until golden and toasted to make crostini. You can also serve the cheese ball with a toasted baguette or pita bread for spreading or dipping.
- Vegetables: Offer a crudité platter with various raw vegetables such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
- Nuts: Toasted nuts, such as almonds or pecans, can be served alongside the cheese ball for an extra crunchy and flavorful experience.
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Spreads and sandwiches
When it comes to spreads and sandwiches, cheese balls are a versatile delight. They can be used as a spread on crackers, crostini, or thinly sliced baguettes. For a simple yet elegant option, drizzle baguette slices with olive oil, bake them until golden and toasted, and then spread the cheese ball on top.
For a more substantial sandwich, pita triangles can be split open and filled with cheese balls for a tasty, portable snack. If you're looking for a more interactive eating experience, provide guests with a variety of toppings and spreads, such as sliced vegetables, crackers, and bread, and let them create their own sandwiches or crackers topped with cheese.
For a more indulgent spread, cheese balls can be combined with other ingredients to create a unique and flavorful dip. For example, mixing a cheese ball with sour cream or mayonnaise can create a creamy and tangy dip for vegetables or crackers. Adding a touch of milk or cream can also help thin out the cheese ball mixture to create a dip with a smoother consistency.
When preparing cheese balls as a spread, it is important to allow them to come to room temperature before serving. This ensures that the cheese is soft and easy to spread. Additionally, providing a spreading knife is recommended to avoid crackers or bread breaking when guests are helping themselves.
Cheese balls can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making them a convenient option for entertaining. They can be shaped and coated with nuts or herbs ahead of time, and then brought to room temperature and served with an array of spreads and sandwich options for a delightful and interactive dining experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Crackers, crostini, nuts, and crudités are all classic pairings with cheese balls.
You can coat your cheese ball in Japanese rice crackers, or roll it in herbs, spices, or even bacon bits. You can also serve cheese balls with pita triangles, pretzels, or roasted potatoes.
Cheese balls go well with fruits, such as apples or pears, and pickled items, such as olives or peppers.
