Introduction: Modular Cheeseball
This instructable will show you how to make a modular cheeseball. I call it modular because it can be made with any combination of flavors you prefer. Maybe you like it mild and herby, smoky and sharp, or hot and spicy. This cheeseball can accommodate all tastes.
My youngest daughter adores cheese but dislikes the nutty coating on the outside of the cheeseballs you find in stores. So, instead of scraping off the nutty coating, I decided to figure out how to make them myself. It was surprisingly easy and I learned that you can vary the end result tremendously based on spice and cheese choices used.
It only takes about 5 minutes of actual hands-on time in the kitchen to create a custom cheeseball. It will always be perfect because it has been made with your tastes in mind. The fact that these are much cheaper to make than those bland shrink-wrapped things they sell during the holidays is just a bonus.
Step 1: Gathering Your Ingredients
You need:
4 oz. cream cheese
4 oz. (or 1/2 cup) shredded cheese, whichever variety you prefer
Herbs, spices, etc. of your choice
(optional) 2 Tbsp. finely chopped nuts of your choice or minced fresh herbs of your
choice to use as coating
Step 2: Getting Started
Place the cream cheese in a small, microwavable bowl.
Warm in the microwave 30 sec. or so until the cream cheese is soft and warm.
Step 3: Giving It Flavor
Stir in your favorite seasonings.
I like to make mine using
1/2 teas garlic powder
1/2 teas onion powder
1 teas dried parsley
1/4 teas liquid smoke
Step 4: Cheesing It Up
Add shredded cheese. As you can see, I am using a blend of cheeses.
Consider what cheese flavors might compliment your seasonings. For example: if you are putting in chopped jalepenos and other spicy flavors, try using Montery Jack. For an herb-packed cheeseball, try a Havarti. There are so many cheeses in the world, the possibilities are endless.
Step 5: Bringing It Together
Stir to combine.
If the cheese has melted and the whole cheesy mass has achieved a fairly uniform color and smooth texture, you are done. If not, microwave for another 20 seconds and stir. Repeat until the cheeses are well-combined.
Set aside to cool (or pop into the refrigerator for a bit).
Step 6: Final Touches
When cool yet still pliable, form the cheese mixture into a ball.
(Optional) When satisfied with the shape, roll in nuts or herbs, if desired. My family prefers their cheeseballs without a coating.
Step 7: Finishing Up
Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.
When you are going to use your cheeseball, take it out of the refrigerator to soften for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Serve with crackers or veggies.
8 Comments
15 years ago on Introduction
I'm always asking myself, why can we call these stuff "cheese"... Come in France, and learn your senses to know what cheese really is :) Anyway, this 'cheese ball' look nice for "aperitif" (don't know english word for that) with friends
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
I know what you mean. I really like my cheeses and the thought of some of these things makes me feel ill. And the word your looking for is "snacks" or even more English "nibbles", Just small bits of food to eat while drinking.
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
Yes, this does push the definition of cheese to its limit. I tend to think of the cheeseball as showcasing of the flavorings with the "cheese" portion being more of a delivery system for those flavors. You could probably create a product with similar applications with flavor-infused fresh, soft cheeses.
15 years ago on Introduction
could you use port
15 years ago on Introduction
Here are some combinations we like: Herbs de Provence -- a French blend. Italian seasonings --a ready-mixed blend, if you've got it or basil, oregano and garlic (powdered, fresh, or roasted) if you don't Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, and Onion Powder Chopped Jalepenos -- it kind of tastes like a popper Real Bacon Bits, garlic and onion Powdered mixes like ranch salad dressing, Italian salad dressing, onion soup mix, vegetable soup mix A thing to note: If you are using dried herbs that aren't all that soft (like dried rosemary) or mixes with dehydrated vegetables and the like, you'll want this to sit for a period of time in excess of an hour (it really depends on the dried ingredient) to soften those items up. Make it a day in advance if there's a question.
15 years ago on Introduction
dang, that looks so good!
15 years ago on Introduction
I like mine with Worchestershire sauce and parmesan. Adding a bit of green in the form of parsley or chopped scallion makes it "healthy". ;) Also, if you're not doing the nut thing, a bit of paprika on the outside makes it look tidy.
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
That's the joy of making your own. It can be whatever you want. You can also make different sizes or flavors. Push it into a plastic wrap-lined mold for a neat shape also makes it interesting looking. Make two kinds and swirt them together rather than blend--for more variety.