Some people say that when they order food in restaurants their eyes are bigger than their stomachs.
I have this tendency not in ordering when I’m out to eat but when I’m grocery shopping for a meal or party.
If I’m feeding three people, I typically make enough for six.
If I’m feeding ten, I make enough to feed a small army — or at least a full flight from New York to Chicago (not that I’ve ever done that but don’t think I haven’t considered it faced with an upcoming trip and a surplus of baked goods).
I made cheese balls for a pre-holiday gathering but they would also be a perfect addition to a New Years Eve finger food spread.
That is, if you like cheese.
You really like cheese.
Cheese Balls
Author: Martha Stewart
Recipe type: Small Plates and Snacks, Cooking for a Crowd
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 3 large cheese balls
Ingredients
Base Recipe- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 packages cream cheese (8 ounces each), softened
- 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
- 5 dashes hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
- ½ tsp. coarse salt
- ¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper
Cheddar and Cranberry- 8 ounces sharp orange Cheddar cheese, finely shredded
- 2 tbsp. store-bought chutney
- ¾ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
Roquefort and Walnut- 6 ounces Roquefort cheese
- 1 shallot, minced
- 2 tsp. brandy (optional)
- 1 cup toasted walnuts, coarsely chopped
Goat Cheese and Scallions- 8 ounces goat cheese
- 2 tbsp. finely chopped scallions
- ⅓ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Make the base: put the butter, cream cheese, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt and pepper into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium speed until combined. Divide equally among 3 medium bowls.
- Stir the Cheddar and chutney with the base mixture in the first bowl. Form into a ball. If not using immediately, refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Roll the cheese ball in the cranberries to coat before serving.
- Stir the Roquefort and shallot with the base mixture in the second bowl; add brandy, if desired. Form into a ball. If not using immediately, refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Roll in the walnuts to coat before serving.
- Stir the goat cheese and scallions with the base in the remaining bowl. Form into a ball. If not using immediately, refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Roll in the parsley before serving.
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12 Comments
Kelly
January 19, 2010 at 4:47 pmThose look great, but what’s the point of the butter?
Kerstin
December 29, 2009 at 6:38 pmI’m always ready for cheese 🙂 These look so perfect for a holiday party – yum!
megan
December 29, 2009 at 10:57 amMy cheeseball is very similar as the base recipe just minus the butter and add chedder. Love these different variations. I have to try them all! Looks like I might have baby balls for new years! hehe
Susan
December 28, 2009 at 10:48 pmI do the same thing, and then I eat twice as much as I should.
Thanks for the recipe!
kat
December 28, 2009 at 10:45 amThe colors together make for a festive setting
Daryl Callahan
December 28, 2009 at 7:13 amthese are magnificent and you are amazing!!!
recordable media
December 28, 2009 at 4:39 amIt sounds so delicious! Thanks a lot for sharing such nice recipe here as I was in search of this recipe since from many days. Finally I got it from here. I will make it at new year’s party. Hope it will be liked.
so Spiffy Girl Japan April Marie
December 28, 2009 at 2:40 amDon’t think I’ve ever had a cheese ball before but it does sound delightfully delish.
Stephanie
December 27, 2009 at 8:35 pmYou know, I never knew about cheese balls until a British roommate prepared them for our holiday party. They’re delicious and pretty addictive, aren’t they?
Dana
December 27, 2009 at 7:44 pmI know, they are gigantic, aren’t they? How did you like them?
Joy
December 27, 2009 at 5:56 pmHappy New Year, Maris! I’m a big fan of cheese balls, but never made them! Someone told me they’d give me their recipe 5 Christmases ago, but never did. :p
Megan
December 27, 2009 at 3:21 pmThese cheese balls look great! And of course I come across them when I’m sitting here with pen and notebook in hand trying to plan my New Year’s Eve menu. Thanks for the idea! Hope you had a wonderful holiday!