Cheese Balls: Exploring The Different Varieties And Flavors

Cheese balls are a versatile snack, perfect for any occasion. They can be made with a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, blue cheese, gouda, feta, or brie, and are usually served as an appetizer or snack with crackers, grilled baguette slices, or vegetable sticks. They are easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making them a convenient option for entertaining. There are endless combinations of flavours and ingredients to choose from, so you can get creative and make a unique cheese ball that suits your taste preferences. Whether you're looking for something savoury, sweet, or spicy, there is a cheese ball recipe out there for you.

Classic cheese balls

The base of a classic cheese ball is typically cream cheese, which is combined with a secondary cheese such as sharp cheddar, gouda, pepper jack, or a mixture. The cream cheese should be at room temperature to ensure a smooth and well-combined texture. This base can be seasoned with ingredients such as Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, hot sauce, parsley, oregano, and black pepper.

Once the cheese and seasoning are well combined, the mixture is shaped into a ball, often by hand, and then rolled in a coating. The coating is typically nuts, such as pecans, but can also be bacon bits, chopped green onion, dried cranberries, or everything seasoning. The coated cheese ball is then chilled for at least an hour or up to a week before serving.

Retro cheese balls

The base of a cheese ball is typically made with cream cheese, which has a firm texture and a mild creaminess. This can be substituted with mascarpone, quark, neufchatel, creamy feta, soft goat cheese, or fromage blanc. The second cheese is added to this base, and can be any semi-soft or semi-firm cheese, such as Colby, Havarti, fontina, cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gouda, Swiss, Gruyère, blue, Stilton, Gorgonzola, or Roquefort. Harder, drier cheeses like Parmesan or Cotija are best avoided as they won't be as spreadable.

To make a cheese ball, you should first process the cream cheese in a food processor or with a handheld electric mixer until it is light and fluffy. Then, add the grated second cheese and process or beat again until smooth. Next, add your chosen flavourings, such as garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, fresh or dried herbs, or spices. Process or beat this mixture until it reaches the desired texture.

Once you are happy with the mixture, scoop it into a mound on a large piece of plastic wrap, using an ice cream scoop or large spoon. Then, lift up two opposite sides of the plastic wrap and cover the sides of the cheese mixture. Place your cupped hands against the plastic wrap and gently press the mixture into a round shape. Repeat this process with the remaining plastic wrap to fully cover the cheese ball. Twist the plastic wrap at the top to secure it. Wrap the plastic-wrapped cheese ball in aluminium foil and shape again with your hands. Refrigerate for at least eight hours and up to six days.

Before serving, pour your chosen coating (such as chopped nuts) into a rimmed baking sheet and spread into an even layer. Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it completely, then place it on the topping and gently roll to coat. You can also use a spoon to scoop the coating over the top and pat it onto the sides.

Potato cheese balls

Ingredients:

• Potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
• Butter or Dairy-free/Plant-based Butter (optional)
• Heavy Whipping Cream or Milk/Cream Cheese
• Egg
• Chives or Green Onion (optional)
• Panko Breadcrumbs
• Cheese (Cheddar, Colby Jack, Provolone, Mozzarella, or String Cheese)
• Flour (All-Purpose or Corn Starch)
• Oil for deep frying (Avocado, Canola, Corn, Vegetable, Peanut, Grapeseed, or Safflower)
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Make mashed potatoes by boiling, peeling, and mashing the potatoes. You can also use leftover mashed potatoes.
• Add butter, heavy whipping cream, and salt to taste to the mashed potatoes. Stir and mash until smooth.
• (Optional) Add chopped chives or green onion to the mashed potatoes.
• Chill the mashed potatoes in the fridge for 1-2 hours or until cold.
• Remove the mashed potatoes from the fridge and add an egg, then stir to combine.
• Use a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop to portion the potato balls.
• Flatten each portion into a pancake-like shape and place a cube of cheese in the center.
• Wrap the potato mixture around the cheese and gently roll it into a smooth potato ball.
• Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
• Dip the potato balls in flour, then coat them in the egg, and finally, roll them in the panko breadcrumbs.
• Heat oil in a large deep skillet to 350°F-375°F.
• Fry the potato balls in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides.
• Serve the potato cheese balls hot with your choice of dip or sauce.

Tips:

• Use cold mashed potatoes to ensure the potato balls hold their shape during cooking.
• Maintain the oil temperature between 350°F-375°F to get a crunchy crust and avoid greasy potato balls.
• Don't overcrowd the pan. Fry the potato balls in batches if necessary.
• Use oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, corn oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, peanut oil, or grapeseed oil.
• You can also bake or air fry the potato cheese balls instead of deep frying.

Baked or fried cheese balls

Baked Cheese Balls

Baked cheese balls are a great alternative to frying and can be made in the oven or air fryer.

One recipe for baked cheese balls uses mashed potato, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The potato and breadcrumbs form a casing around a cube of cheese, which is then baked in the oven. This recipe is similar to European croquettes and Caribbean papas rellenas.

Another recipe for baked cheese balls uses a mixture of parmesan and mozzarella cheese, egg whites, salt, and pepper. The mixture is shaped into balls and baked in the oven.

Fried Cheese Balls

Fried cheese balls are a quick and easy snack that can be made in a pan of oil or an air fryer.

One recipe for fried cheese balls uses a mixture of mozzarella, cream cheese, egg, garlic powder, oregano, flour, and breadcrumbs. The mixture is shaped into balls, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried until golden brown.

Another recipe for fried cheese balls uses a mixture of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, bell pepper, scallions, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and pecans. The mixture is shaped into a ball, coated in pecans, and served with crackers or chips.

Tips for Making Cheese Balls

When making cheese balls, it is important to use a cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or soft cheeses. Hard, aged cheeses like Parmesan will not melt quickly enough.

The cheese balls can be coated in breadcrumbs, cornstarch, or nuts like pecans to add texture and crunch. Frying the cheese balls in small batches will help to ensure even cooking and prevent them from sticking together.

Cheese balls can be served with a variety of dips and sauces, such as ketchup, salsa, marinara, hot sauce, mayonnaise, sour cream, or a yogurt-based dip.

Creative cheese ball shapes

Cheese balls are a versatile snack, and there are many ways to get creative with their shapes. Here are some ideas for unique and fun cheese ball shapes:

• Log or cylinder shape: Instead of forming the cheese mixture into a ball, shape it into a log or cylinder. This will give you more of the crunchy exterior and less of the soft interior in each bite-sized portion.
• Mini cheese balls: Rather than making one large cheese ball, you can make several smaller ones. These bite-sized treats are perfect for serving at a party or get-together.
• Custom shapes: Get creative and form the cheese mixture into fun shapes like stars, hearts, or even letters to spell out a word. This approach will likely require a bit more skill and time but will surely impress your guests.
• Coating variations: While the traditional coating for a cheese ball is nuts, you can get creative and use other coatings such as bacon bits, chopped green onions, dried cranberries, or everything seasoning. You could even offer a variety of coatings and let your guests choose their favourite.
• Double coating: For an extra crunchy texture, try double-coating your cheese balls. Simply coat them once, let them chill, and then apply a second coating before serving.
• Cheese ball platter: Create a cheese ball platter with an assortment of different-flavoured cheese balls. You can vary the cheeses, spices, and coatings to offer a range of options for your guests to enjoy.

Frequently asked questions