Mother'S Cheese Balls
Creamy, cheesy, and nutty cheese balls with a blend of bold flavors, perfect as an appetizer for parties or gatherings, appealing to cheese lovers and entertaining hosts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove cheese from refrigerator and let warm to room temperature.
- Mix cream cheese, Old English cheese, Smokey cheese spread, and blue cheese with a mixer until well combined.
- Form the cheese mixture into a ball shape.
- Roll the cheese ball in finely chopped pecans and freshly chopped parsley until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate until the cheese ball is firm.
- Serve with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure all cheeses are at room temperature before mixing. If you don't have Old English cheese, a sharp cheddar can be a good substitute. For a twist, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or chopped herbs to the cheese mixture. This recipe is easily adaptable, so feel free to experiment with different cheese spreads or nuts.
Serving Suggestions
These cheese balls are perfect for parties and pair beautifully with crackers or fresh veggies. For a festive touch, serve alongside a selection of fruit such as grapes or apple slices. A glass of white wine can complement the flavors nicely. For a full spread, consider serving with Yummy Waffles or Aunt Nez'S Rolls for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze the cheese ball before rolling it in nuts and herbs. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and when ready to serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mother'S Cheese Balls contains roughly 481 calories, with 15g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 641mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cheese balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese balls a day in advance. Just follow the recipe until the refrigeration step, then cover and let them chill overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to roll them in nuts and parsley right before serving for the best presentation.
What can I substitute for blue cheese?
If you're not a fan of blue cheese, you can replace it with feta cheese or goat cheese for a milder flavor. Both alternatives will still provide a creamy texture and pair well with the other cheeses in the mixture. Adjust the amount to taste based on your preference.
How do I prevent the cheese ball from being too soft?
To ensure your cheese ball holds its shape, make sure the cream cheese is well blended but not over-mixed. Keeping the cheese ball in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving will also help it firm up. If it's still too soft, you can add a bit of finely shredded cheese to the mixture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).