Frederic Melton
There are many ways to make a cheese bahel even better. One way is to slice the bagel two-thirds of the way up, slice around the centre, press firmly to the sides, and slot in the cheese before putting the top back on. You can use cheese strings or shredded cheese. Another method is to brush the bagel tops with eggs, then place them on parchment paper-lined baking sheets and sprinkle the cheese on top. You can also brush garlic butter on top of the bagel, bake it in the oven, and add toppings such as cream cheese and smoked salmon. If you want to get creative, you can mix and match flavours such as jalapeño cheddar cheese or sharp cheddar cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Cheddar, Asiago, Cream Cheese, Sharp Cheddar, Jalapeno Cheddar |
| How to add cheese | Shredded, melted, brushed with garlic butter, cheese strings |
| Storage | Airtight container, zip-top bag, freezer-proof bag |
| Storage Temperature | Room temperature, refrigerated, frozen |
| Storage Duration | Up to 3 days at room temperature, up to 4 days in the fridge, up to 3 months in the freezer |
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What You'll Learn
- Nuts: pecans, almonds, or any nut of your choice, chopped finely and rolled over the cheese ball
- Crackers: serve cheese balls with crackers for dipping and spreading
- Dips and sauces: pair with ketchup, salsa, hot sauce, mayonnaise, sour cream, or yoghurt-based dips
- Seasoning: add spices, peri peri, or Worcestershire sauce to the cheese mixture
- Potatoes: make potato cheese balls by frying or baking a boiled potato and cheese mixture
Nuts: pecans, almonds, or any nut of your choice, chopped finely and rolled over the cheese ball
Finely chopped nuts rolled over a cheese ball can add a crunchy texture and rich flavour to your bahels. Toasted pecans, for instance, can provide a sweet and buttery taste, while almonds can offer a more nutty and earthy flavour. You could also consider mixing different types of nuts for a unique blend.
When preparing the nuts, start by toasting them lightly to enhance their flavour and texture. Chop them finely, aiming for a coarse consistency rather than a powder. You can use a knife or a food processor for this task, being careful not to overprocess the nuts.
The cheese ball, or log, can be made with a variety of cheeses, such as cream cheese, cheddar, or a mixture of cheeses. Form the cheese into a ball shape, aiming for a size that will fit comfortably within the sliced bagel. Consider adding herbs, spices, or other flavourings to the cheese for an extra punch of flavour.
Once the cheese ball is formed, roll it in the chopped nuts until it is evenly coated. Gently press the nuts into the cheese to ensure they adhere well. You can serve the prepared cheese ball immediately or chill it in the refrigerator until it is firm and ready to be sliced and enjoyed with your bahels.
Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts and cheeses to find your favourite combinations. You might also consider adding other toppings, such as dried fruits, herbs, or a drizzle of honey, to create a unique and delectable cheese ball that complements the bahels perfectly.
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Crackers: serve cheese balls with crackers for dipping and spreading
Crackers are a classic side dish to serve with cheese balls. They are perfect for dipping and spreading cheese. A cheese ball is only as good as what you serve it with, and crackers are a great starting point. You can use a variety of crackers, such as water crackers, rice crackers, or wheat crackers.
When serving cheese balls with crackers, it is important to provide a cheese spreading knife. This will ensure that the crackers do not break when dipped into the cheese ball. In addition, it is a good idea to provide a variety of crackers with different flavours and textures to enhance the overall taste experience.
To elevate your cracker and cheese ball combination, consider adding toppings to your crackers. For example, you can offer crackers with a variety of seeds, nuts, or dried fruits on top. These toppings will add flavour, texture, and visual appeal to your dish.
If you want to offer a more substantial snack, you can provide larger crackers, such as whole-grain crackers or rye crackers, which can accommodate more toppings and provide a heartier base for the cheese. You can also suggest different cracker flavours, such as herb-infused crackers or crackers with a hint of pepper, to complement the cheese ball's flavour profile.
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Dips and sauces: pair with ketchup, salsa, hot sauce, mayonnaise, sour cream, or yoghurt-based dips
Dips and sauces can be a great addition to a bahel. Here are some options to pair with your cheese bahel:
Ketchup
Ketchup is a classic condiment that can add a tangy and sweet taste to your bahel. It is a standard dip that can be easily found and paired with your bahel.
Salsa
If you're looking for something with a kick, salsa is a great option. It is typically made with tomatoes, onions, chillies, and cilantro, providing a fresh and spicy kick to your bahel.
Hot Sauce
Hot sauce can be a great way to add some heat to your bahel. There are various types of hot sauces available, ranging from mild to spicy, so you can choose one that suits your preference.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is a versatile condiment that can be used as a spread or a dip. It has a rich, creamy texture and a slightly tangy flavour, which can complement the cheese in your bahel. Mayonnaise can also be used as an alternative to butter when frying your bahel, adding a unique taste.
Sour Cream
Sour cream is a tangy and creamy condiment that can be used as a dip or spread. It has a thicker consistency than mayonnaise and can add a nice contrast to the cheese in your bahel. Sour cream is also a key ingredient in several bagel dip recipes, often paired with mayonnaise and seasonings.
Yoghurt-based dips
Yoghurt-based dips, such as the popular "Everything Bagel Dip," can be a tasty and healthier alternative to traditional dips. This dip typically includes Greek yoghurt or cream cheese, and is seasoned with "everything bagel seasoning," which adds a unique flavour to your bahel. This dip is usually served with fresh vegetables, crackers, or even as a spread on the bahel.
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Seasoning: add spices, peri peri, or Worcestershire sauce to the cheese mixture
When it comes to seasoning a cheese ball, there are several options to consider. Firstly, spices can be added to the cheese mixture to enhance the flavour and create a magical blend of tastes. This can include a variety of spices, ensuring that no single spice overwhelms the others. For those who enjoy a spicy kick, adding peri peri to the cheese mixture is a great option. This will result in a delicious, spicy cheese ball that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or snack. Alternatively, Worcestershire sauce can be incorporated into the cheese mixture, providing a unique tanginess that pairs well with the creaminess of the cheese.
When preparing cheese balls, it is essential to consider the role of acidic flavours. A dash of lemon juice or hot sauce can help to cut through the richness of the cheese, creating a more balanced flavour profile. However, one should be cautious not to add too much hot sauce, as a dash or two is usually sufficient. Additionally, sour cream can be incorporated to slightly thin the cheese mixture, making it ideal for dipping while also adding a tangy twist.
For those who enjoy a nuttier flavour, chopped nuts can be mixed into the cheese mixture. Finely chopping the nuts ensures a smoother consistency in the final product. Alternatively, the cheese balls can be coated in nuts after they are formed, providing a crunchy texture contrast to the creamy cheese. Popular nut choices include pecans, almonds, and other finely chopped nuts of your preference.
Lastly, when serving cheese balls, it is essential to provide suitable accompaniments. Crackers, such as Ritz or other buttery varieties, are classic choices that pair well with the cheese. Vegetables like celery sticks or thick radish slices can also be offered, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese. For a heartier option, a crusty baguette or tortilla wrap can be served alongside the cheese balls, allowing guests to create their own bites.
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Potatoes: make potato cheese balls by frying or baking a boiled potato and cheese mixture
How to Make Potato Cheese Balls
Ingredients
- Potatoes
- Butter
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Pepper
- Heavy cream, full-fat milk, or a combination of both
- Egg
- Chives
- Cheese
- Bread crumbs (optional)
- Herbs, coriander leaves, and/or chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
Start by peeling your potatoes and then cutting them into large, even chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous amount of salt and turn the heat up to medium-high. Bring to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, about 8-20 minutes depending on the size of your chunks. Drain the water, then put the potatoes back on the stove to boil off any excess water.
Let the potatoes cool for about 10 minutes, then mash them in a large bowl until there are no lumps. Add butter, salt, garlic powder, pepper, heavy cream or milk, egg, chives, and cheese. Stir until well combined. Place the mixture in the refrigerator until cold, about 1 hour, or speed up the process by placing it in the freezer for 30 minutes.
Once the mixture is chilled, scoop it out into balls of about 2 tablespoons each. If you are frying the potato cheese balls, form them into balls. Place flour in one bowl. Add eggs to a second bowl and beat lightly with a fork. Add panko to a third bowl. Dip the balls in the flour, then the egg, and finally the panko.
If you are baking the potato cheese balls, it is recommended to do a double coating of the egg and panko mixture to make sure they are covered well, otherwise, the cheese might melt out. Place the coated balls on a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper and bake at 400˚F for 13-15 minutes, until browned and crispy.
To fry the potato cheese balls, heat oil in a pan on medium heat. Gently lower a couple of potato balls into the oil, being careful not to crowd the pan. Fry until the outside turns golden brown, then scoop out with a slotted spoon or spider strainer and let drain on a wire rack.
Serve the potato cheese balls hot, being careful not to burn yourself as the cheese can get very hot. They can be served plain or with ketchup or hot sauce.
Variations
Some variations of this recipe include adding bread crumbs, herbs, coriander leaves, chili flakes, and/or pepper to the potato mixture. You can also add a cube of cheese to the center of each ball instead of mixing the cheese throughout, though this makes forming the balls more difficult.
Cheese Bahels
While I could not find specific information on "cheese bahels", I did find references to "Vada Pav", a famous street food in Gujarat and Maharashtra, India, that is sometimes made with cheese. This may be what you are referring to, or it may be a similar dish. If so, you can add cheese to the aloo vada pav mixture, or stuff the vadas with cheese cubes. The vadas are then sandwiched between toasted pav buns smeared with garlic chutney.
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Frequently asked questions
Ketchup, salsa, marinara, or other tomato-based sauces work well as dips for cheese balls. Other condiments that can be used include hot sauce, mayonnaise, sour cream, or yoghurt-based dips.
Cheese balls can be coated with nuts, breadcrumbs, or cornstarch. Nuts such as pecans, almonds, or other finely chopped nuts can be used. Breadcrumbs can be used after dipping the cheese balls in a cornstarch slurry.
Cheese balls can be served with crackers, vegetables like celery sticks or radish slices, or a crusty baguette. They can also be used as an anchor for a charcuterie board with cured meats, fruits, pickles, and olives.
