Andy Montoya
Cheese balls are a great snack for any occasion, and there are endless ways to make them. The base of a classic cheese ball is typically cream cheese, with some shredded cheddar cheese, scallions, and seasonings, rolled in chopped toasted pecans. However, you can mix and match add-ins to make it your own. For example, some recipes suggest adding blue cheese, Monterey Jack, or Old English cheese. You can also add bacon, bell peppers, or even a little bit of liquid from a can of chipotle chiles in adobo for a spicy kick. If you want to get creative with the coating, try rolling the cheese ball in bacon bits, chopped green onion, Craisins, or almonds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Cream Cheese, Sharp Cheddar, Medium Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Blue Cheese, Colby Jack, Old English Jarred Cheese |
| Spices | Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper, Lemon Juice, Hot Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, Smoked Paprika, Fennel Pollen, Ground Toasted Fennel Seed, Coarse Ground Black Pepper, Dill Pickle Juice |
| Nuts | Pecans, Almonds, Bacon Bits, Craisins |
| Storage | Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks, Freeze for up to 1 month |
| Serving Suggestions | Crackers, Crostini, Veggies, Tortilla, Bread |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese
For a more well-rounded flavour profile, you can add some minced bell pepper, scallions, and garlic powder to the cheese mixture. Lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce can also be added to boost the flavour and cut through the richness of the cheese.
To make the cheese ball, grate the cheddar and let it come to room temperature. In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese with garlic and any other seasonings of your choice. Then, gradually add the grated cheese to the cream cheese mixture. Once everything is incorporated, form the mixture into a ball and refrigerate for at least a day to let the flavours blend.
Finally, coat the cheese ball in chopped pecans, almonds, or another nut of your choice, for added texture and crunch. You can also roll the cheese ball in crushed crackers for a different texture.
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Spices and seasonings
A classic cheese ball recipe includes cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, and spices, and is coated in chopped pecans. The cream cheese is the foundation, with its mild flavour and malleable texture, while the second cheese is where the flavour comes in. For this reason, sharp cheddar is often used, as its nuttiness is a crowd-pleaser.
However, you can use any cheese you like, and there are endless combinations of spices and seasonings to create your desired flavour. For example, you could use blue cheese, which is piquant and packs a punch, combining it with mild cream cheese to keep things balanced. You could also add dried figs and honey, or whisk your cheese ball off to Spain with Manchego, a firm sheep's milk cheese with a hazelnut-like sweetness and a funky flavour. Try combining it with a dash of paprika and toasted hazelnuts.
Other popular combinations include feta and cream cheese, gouda, smoked gouda, or Monterey Jack. Spices and seasonings to add to your cheese ball could include dried parsley, garlic powder, dried oregano, ground black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, scallions, bell peppers, poppy seeds, paprika, ranch seasoning, or even peanut butter and chocolate.
If you want to avoid a salty cheese ball, be mindful of how much ranch seasoning you add, as different formulations vary in their salt content. You can also add acidic flavours like lemon, hot sauce, or Worcestershire sauce to cut through the richness of the cheese.
If you're making Indian-style cheese balls, you can flavour them with pepper, red chilli flakes, Italian herbs, and allspice powder. You can then roll them in corn starch and either fry or bake them.
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Nuts and coatings
Choosing the Nuts
Pecans are a popular choice for cheese balls, as they offer a nice texture and a hint of sweetness. It is recommended to chop the pecans finely so that the cheeseball is easier to serve and eat. If you prefer a different type of nut, almonds or other finely chopped nuts can be used as a substitute. For those with nut allergies or who simply don't enjoy nuts, there are alternatives. Bacon bits, chopped green onions, or Craisins can be rolled into the cheese mixture for added flavour and texture.
Preparing the Nuts
To prepare the nuts for coating the cheese ball, it is best to chop them finely. This can be done by hand or in a food processor. Place the chopped nuts on a plate or in a shallow bowl. If you want to get creative, you can mix the nuts with other coatings, such as parsley, as suggested in one recipe.
Coating the Cheese Ball
Once the cheese mixture has been formed into a ball and chilled, it's time to coat it in the nuts. Unwrap the cheese ball and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly, which will make it easier to work with. Then, working with one cheese ball at a time, roll it in the chopped nuts until it is completely covered. Gently press and pat the nuts into the sides of the cheese ball to ensure they adhere well. Repeat this process for each cheese ball.
Storing and Serving
After coating the cheese balls in nuts, they can be served immediately or stored in the refrigerator for later. If storing, wrap each cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or bag. They will stay fresh for several days or up to two weeks, depending on the freshness of the ingredients used. Cheese balls can also be frozen for up to a month, but it is recommended to add the nuts after thawing to ensure the best texture. Serve the cheese balls with crackers, pretzels, veggies, or bread for a delicious and impressive appetizer.
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Storage and serving
Cheese balls are a great make-ahead option for your next party or holiday gathering. They can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This gives the flavours time to meld together and develop. For the best flavour and texture, allow the cheese ball to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
To make ahead and store, prepare the cheese mixture and form it into a ball. Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container or bag. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you plan to coat your cheese ball in nuts, it is best to do this closer to serving, so the nuts do not get soft. You can roll the cheese ball in nuts or your coating of choice, such as crispy bacon, and then wrap and store it.
Leftover cheese balls can also be stored in the refrigerator. Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for several days or up to two weeks, depending on the freshness of your ingredients. If the outer layer becomes soft, you can roll it in fresh chopped nuts or bacon before serving again.
When serving, place the cheese ball on a platter with a cheese spreading knife. It is best to use the knife to spread the cheese onto crackers, pretzels, or veggies, rather than dipping directly into the ball. Cheese balls can be served with a variety of crackers, such as buttery crackers like Ritz, or veggies like celery sticks or thick radish slices. They can also be smeared on a crusty baguette or served in a wrap.
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Alternative cheeses
While cheddar, cream cheese, and pecans are the most popular choices for making cheese balls, there are several other alternatives you can use.
One option is to use blue cheese, which can be mixed with cream cheese and seasonings. You can also use a combination of extra sharp cheddar, medium cheddar, and Monterey Jack, along with cream cheese and garlic powder. If you're looking for a spicier option, you can add liquid from a can of chipotle chiles in adobo or even include the chilies themselves if you like it hot.
For those who prefer a milder flavor, Colby Jack and medium cheddar can be used as a base, while Kraft Old English Jarred Cheese is another option for those who don't mind venturing away from traditional cheese blocks. If you're feeling creative, you can even try using mayonnaise, which adds richness and makes the cheese ball scoopable.
Additionally, you can experiment with different types of nuts to coat your cheese ball. While pecans are a popular choice, you can also use almonds or substitute the nuts entirely with bacon bits, chopped green onions, or Craisins.
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular cheeses used for cheese balls include cheddar, cream cheese, Monterey Jack, blue cheese, Colby Jack, and Old English Cheese.
Common ingredients mixed with the cheese in cheese balls include garlic, garlic powder, onion, scallions, bell peppers, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and mayonnaise.
Common coatings for cheese balls include chopped pecans, almonds, bacon bits, Craisins, and parsley.
Cheese balls will stay fresh in the refrigerator for several days or up to 2 weeks, depending on the freshness of the ingredients. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month.
