Multiple varieties of cheese are mixed to create a cheese ball.
Cheese balls are a ubiquitous appetizer at holiday parties and cocktail events due to their appeal to a broad spectrum of people. Cheese balls can be made with various ingredients to customize them and excite the palate. The basic cheese ball is made with a mixture of cheddar cheese and cream cheese, topped with nuts, and served with crackers and a type of jam or chutney.
Instructions
1. Blend together cheddar cheese, cream cheese, butter, milk and chutney or fruit jam until the mixture is consistent throughout. Refrigerate overnight to harden, and then form the mixture into a ball and cover it with nuts. Place it on a platter, and serve the cheese ball with crackers.
2. Exchange cheddar cheese for another variety, such as blue cheese or goat cheese, to form an entirely different cheese ball batter.
3. Cover the cheese ball with herbs or fruit instead of nuts. Test that the flavors combine well before opting for a different outside flavoring. For example, a semisweet dried fruit, such as cranberries, dates or cherries, pairs well with goat cheese or blue cheese. Herbs, such as parsley, complement goat cheese.
4. Add different ingredients into the mixing process of the cheese, such as scallions, shallots, herbs or dried fruit. Once again, taste the combination before completely mixing the batter to make sure that you enjoy the flavors together.
5. Store batter in the freezer for use in the future. Wrap securely in cling wrap, and place in a freezer bag or airtight container. Label the date that you made the cheese ball batter, as it should not remain frozen for more than two months without being used.
Tags: cheese ball, cheddar cheese, goat cheese, ball batter, ball with
