Tom'S Cheese Ball
A rich and savory cheese ball combining blue cheese, cream cheese, and aromatics, perfect for parties and cheese lovers seeking a flavorful, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the cream cheese, blue cheese, and butter together.
- Add the seasoning salt, chives, minced onion, chopped green olives, and mix thoroughly.
- Line a small bowl with plastic wrap.
- Put the cheese mixture into the bowl, cover, and refrigerate for about 1 hour.
- Remove the chilled mixture and form into balls.
- Roll the cheese balls in chopped walnuts.
- Add more chives on top, if desired.
- Serve at room temperature.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing. If you prefer a milder flavor, substitute half the blue cheese with additional cream cheese. You can also use fresh herbs like dill or parsley instead of chives for a different twist. For an added kick, consider mixing in some crushed red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
These cheese balls are perfect for parties and pair beautifully with crackers, fresh vegetables, or bread. Serve them alongside a refreshing Fresh Corn Salad for a delightful appetizer spread. You can also feature them on a charcuterie board with cured meats and fruit for an attractive presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To serve after freezing, let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before enjoying them at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tom'S Cheese Ball contains roughly 359 calories, with 3g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 541mg per serving (24% 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 use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheese combinations. For example, using sharp cheddar or goat cheese can provide unique flavors. Just keep the overall consistency in mind, as different cheeses have varying moisture levels that may affect the texture.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
This recipe is already vegetarian, but if you're concerned about animal-derived ingredients in the blue cheese, you can opt for a plant-based cream cheese and a vegetarian blue cheese alternative to keep it in line with vegetarian recipes.
Can I make the cheese balls in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese mixture and form the balls a day ahead. Just roll them in walnuts right before serving to maintain their crunch. Keeping them chilled until serving will also help maintain their shape.
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).