Cheese Balls: What's Inside And How To Make Them

Cheese balls are an American hors d'oeuvre that first appeared in the 1940s and are typically made from a combination of at least two types of cheese. The first cheese is often cream cheese, which acts as a foundation due to its mild flavour and malleable texture. The second cheese is chosen for its flavour and can be anything from cheddar to blue cheese. Additional ingredients such as nuts, seeds, herbs, or spices are also commonly added to enhance the flavour and texture of the cheese ball.

Blue cheese, dried figs and honey

A unique yet delicious combination, a blue cheese ball with dried figs and honey is a great way to add a touch of sweetness to the strong flavour of blue cheese. This cheese ball is a perfect appetizer for any party and can be made a few days in advance, making it a stress-free option for hosts.

To make this cheese ball, you will need equal parts of softened cream cheese and crumbled blue cheese, dried figs, honey, and toasted sliced almonds. The cream cheese and blue cheese are combined to create a base, with the blue cheese adding a bold, piquant flavour. Dried figs are then chopped and folded into the cheese mixture, along with a drizzle of honey, adding a natural sweetness to the ball. The whole thing is then coated in toasted almonds, which provide a crunchy texture and a subtle nutty flavour.

Once prepared, the cheese ball is wrapped in plastic and refrigerated for at least two hours to firm up. It is then served with crackers or crispy baguette toasts. This combination of sweet and savoury flavours is sure to impress your guests and is a unique take on the classic cheese ball.

The blue cheese ball with dried figs and honey is a creative twist on the traditional cheese ball, offering a balance of flavours that will tantalise your taste buds. The sweetness of the honey and figs pairs surprisingly well with the strong, tangy flavour of the blue cheese, while the almonds add a satisfying crunch. This cheese ball is a must-try for those seeking a unique and indulgent appetiser.

Cheddar and olive with dijon, lemon and dill

Cheddar and Olive Cheese Ball with Dijon, Lemon and Dill

A cheese ball is a two-cheese affair, with the first cheese, often cream cheese, acting as the foundation. The second cheese is where the flavour comes in. Cheddar is a popular choice for the second cheese, and grated sharp cheddar will pepper up the cream cheese base with its nuttiness.

For a cheddar and olive cheese ball with dijon, lemon and dill, you will need:

• 6 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 4 ounces of cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon of dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh dill
• 1/2 cup of chopped green olives
• 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice concentrate

First, stir together the cheddar cheese, cream cheese and dijon mustard. Use your hands to shape the cheese into a ball. Wrap the ball in plastic and chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. In a separate bowl, combine the dill and lemon zest. Gently roll the cheese ball in the dill mixture until it’s completely coated. Return the ball to the refrigerator.

You can also add in a small amount of mayonnaise and lemon juice concentrate to the cheese mixture, as well as chopped green olives, to create a cheddar and olive cheese ball.

Smoked gouda

A cheese ball is a two-cheese affair. The first cheese is often cream cheese, which acts as the foundation for its mild flavour and malleable texture. The second cheese is where the flavour comes in and can be anything from blue cheese to cheddar.

One type of cheese that works well in a cheese ball is smoked gouda. This variety of gouda brings a deep, smoky dimension to the cream cheese base.

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces smoked gouda, shredded (about 1¼ cups), plus more for garnish (optional)
• 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 3 scallions, chopped, divided
• 2 ounces prosciutto (3 to 4 slices)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
• Crackers, for serving

Method:

• Heat the oven to 400ºF.
• In a small bowl, stir the gouda, cream cheese, sour cream, 2 of the chopped scallions (about ¼ cup), the garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with black pepper.
• Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for about 30 minutes, until cold.
• Meanwhile, arrange the prosciutto slices on a foil-lined sheet pan and bake, turning once, for 12 to 15 minutes, until crispy. Let cool.
• In a food processor or by hand, chop the pecans until finely chopped, then transfer to a shallow dish.
• Gently pulse the crispy prosciutto in a food processor (or chop or crunch up by hand) until finely chopped, but not dust. Add the prosciutto to the pecans and toss to combine.
• Remove the cheese mixture from the refrigerator and mould into a ball shape with clean hands (use gloves if you’d like).
• Roll the cheese ball in the pecan mixture until coated.
• Place on a serving dish and top with the remaining scallions and a pinch of shredded gouda, if using.
• Serve with the crackers.

Feta and cream cheese

A feta and cream cheese ball is a simple yet impressive appetizer that can be easily prepared ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for gatherings and holiday parties. The cheese ball can be formed and chilled, ready to be served with a variety of crackers, flatbread, or vegetables.

To make a feta and cream cheese ball, you'll need a few simple ingredients: feta cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, green onions, garlic, dried oregano, and black pepper. The cream cheese should be softened to ensure a smooth and creamy texture when mixed. Beat the cream cheese and olive oil until smooth, then stir in the remaining ingredients. The feta cheese should be crumbled to allow it to blend well with the other ingredients.

Once the mixture is well combined, shape it into one or two balls, depending on your preference. Wrap the cheese balls in plastic wrap and chill them for at least an hour to let them firm up. This step is important to ensure the cheese ball holds its shape when served.

When you're ready to serve, simply remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and let it sit for a few minutes to slightly soften. Serve it with your choice of crackers, pretzels, bagel chips, vegetables, or anything else you'd like to dip into this delicious treat!

The feta and cream cheese ball is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful blend of flavours that will keep your guests coming back for more. It's a simple yet impressive appetizer that showcases the magic that happens when feta and cream cheese come together.

Sharp cheddar and cream cheese

A cheese ball is an American hors d'oeuvre that is a type of cheese spread. It is usually made from a combination of two or more cheeses, with the foundation often being cream cheese due to its mild flavour and malleable texture. The second cheese is where the flavour comes in—this could be blue cheese, Manchego, sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or feta.

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces 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

Instructions:

• Place the cream cheese in a mixing bowl and mix until smooth.
• Add the remaining ingredients (except the pecans) and 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 and gently press the cheese ball into the pecans, turning to coat all sides.
• Cover the cheese ball in cling wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour to allow it to firm up.
• Take the cheese ball out of the refrigerator about 20 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly.
• Serve with crackers, pretzels, vegetables, or anything else you'd like to dip in cheese!

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