Cream cheese balls are a popular appetizer made by shaping cream cheese into small balls, rolling them in various coatings, and serving them chilled. They have a smooth, creamy texture that is lovely when freshly made, but can become too soft or even mushy over time. Luckily, it’s easy to thicken cream cheese balls so they hold their shape better for serving.
What ingredients thicken cream cheese balls?
There are a few simple ingredient swaps or additions that will help thicken cream cheese balls:
Use block cream cheese instead of whipped
Whipped cream cheese has air beaten into it, giving it a fluffier, lighter texture. For cream cheese balls, you want the dense, firm texture of block cream cheese. Be sure to use full-fat cream cheese, not the reduced-fat or fat-free kinds which tend to get soft and runny when shaped into balls.
Add instant pudding mix
Dry instant pudding mix, like vanilla or cheesecake flavored, will absorb moisture from the cream cheese which helps firm it up. Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of dry pudding mix per 8 ounce block of cream cheese.
Include shredded cheese
Grated cheddar, parmesan, or other hard cheese will make the cream cheese mixture more dense and moldable. Finely shred about 1/4 cup of cheese and mix it into the cream cheese before forming the balls.
Use cream cheese and ricotta
Mixing some part-skim ricotta cheese into the cream cheese takes advantage of the ricotta’s grainy texture. Use about 1 cup ricotta per 8 ounce block of cream cheese. The ricotta’s firmness strengthens the cream cheese balls.
Add crushed crackers or breadcrumbs
Crushed savory crackers or fine dry breadcrumbs can absorb excess moisture from the cream cheese when mixed in. Use about 1/4 cup crushed crackers or 1/3 cup fine breadcrumbs per 8 ounce cream cheese block.
Add chopped nuts
Finely chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds will introduce some fat into the cream cheese that makes it more cohesive and thick. Chop the nuts very finely so they integrate well without creating lumps. Use 1/4 to 1/3 cup chopped nuts per 8 ounce cream cheese block.
How to mix and shape thickened cream cheese balls
When adding thickening ingredients to cream cheese for shaping into balls, incorporate them thoroughly but avoid overmixing. You want an evenly integrated mixture that is molded – not too soft or too stiff.
Here are some tips for mixing and shaping thickened cream cheese balls:
Use an electric mixer
Use a stand mixer or handheld electric beaters to efficiently incorporate thickening ingredients into blocks of room temperature cream cheese. Mix on low speed until just combined.
Mix by hand
You can also use a stiff rubber spatula to fold and press ingredients into cream cheese. This takes a bit more elbow grease but gives you more control over the texture.
Avoid overbeating
Don’t whip the cream cheese too much or it can get fluffy and soft. Just mix until the added ingredients are evenly distributed and the texture looks cohesive.
Refrigerate before rolling
After mixing in thickeners, let the cream cheese firm up in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before rolling into balls. The chill helps it retain its shape better.
Shape into 1-inch balls
Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the cream cheese mixture into evenly sized balls about 1 inch across. Slightly wet hands can help when shaping and smoothing.
Roll gently
When you roll the balls in chopped nuts, coconut, crushed cookies or other coatings, handle them gently so they don’t lose their round shape. Refrigerate again before serving.
Storing thickened cream cheese balls
The thickeners help cream cheese balls hold their shape for serving, but they are still highly perishable and should be stored properly. Here are some storage tips:
Refrigerate in airtight container
Keep shaped cream cheese balls refrigerated in an airtight container. Tupperware or reusable deli containers work well to prevent drying out.
Layer between wax or parchment paper
Separating layers of cream cheese balls with wax paper or parchment will prevent them from sticking together in the fridge.
consume within 3 days
Even stored properly in the fridge, it’s best to eat cream cheese balls within 3 days of preparation for optimal flavor and texture. The balls won’t go bad immediately after that, but will progressively deteriorate.
Avoid freezer burn
You can freeze cream cheese balls for longer storage, but be aware they may suffer freezer burn. Wrap them very tightly in plastic wrap with no air pockets before freezing. Defrost in fridge before serving.
Freeze coatings separately
If coated in something like nuts or coconut, freeze those toppings separately and roll the thawed cream cheese balls in them just before serving so they don’t get soggy.
Troubleshooting cream cheese balls
Even when you use thickeners, cream cheese ball texture may sometimes not turn out right. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:
Balls too soft and mushy
– Add more binding agent like breadcrumbs, nuts, or shredded cheese
– Use block cream cheese, not whipped
– Avoid overmixing when shaping balls
Balls won’t hold their round shape
– Refrigerate shaped balls before coating and serving
– Use chilled ingredients and tools when preparing
– Add more instant pudding mix for firmer texture
Balls cracked and crumbly
– Cream cheese overmixed and turned fluffy
– Too much floury thickener added like breadcrumbs
– Cheese balls handled too roughly; shape and coat gently
Coatings fall off the balls
– Cream cheese mixture too moist, add more nuts or shredded cheese
– Balls not chilled enough before coating, refrigerate longer
– Press coatings gently into surface of balls
Tips for making the best cream cheese balls
Thick and creamy cream cheese balls start with great ingredients and care in preparation:
– Use high quality full-fat block cream cheese for the best consistency
– Choose fresh, soft breadcrumbs or finely chopped nuts as binders
– Chill the cream cheese mixture thoroughly before shaping
– Portion into same size balls for even texture and cooking
– Work quickly while shaping balls and coating to prevent softening
– Handle the shaped balls gently when rolling in toppings
– Refrigerate completed cream cheese balls in airtight storage
– Serve within a few days for the freshest flavor and texture
Cream Cheese Ball Recipes
Here are some delicious cream cheese ball recipes to try that include thickening ingredients:
Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Balls
Ingredients:
– 8oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 Tbsp everything bagel seasoning
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 Tbsp minced chives
Instructions:
1. Mix together cream cheese, cheddar, and everything bagel seasoning until well combined.
2. Chill mixture for 30 minutes.
3. Roll into 1-inch balls, then roll in chopped walnuts to coat.
4. Top with a sprinkle of chives.
5. Refrigerate 1 hour before serving.
Ranch Cream Cheese Balls
Ingredients:
– 8oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 Tbsp ranch seasoning mix
– 2 Tbsp milk
– 1/3 cup chopped pecans
– 2 Tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions:
1. Beat together cream cheese, feta, ranch mix, and milk.
2. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes.
3. Shape into 1-inch balls, roll in chopped pecans.
4. Top with fresh parsley before serving.
5. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Jalapeño Popper Cream Cheese Balls
Ingredients:
– 8oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 Tbsp chopped pickled jalapeños
– 2 Tbsp chopped roasted red peppers
– 1/3 cup crushed crackers
– 2 Tbsp chopped cilantro
Instructions:
1. Mix together cream cheese, cheddar, jalapeños, and roasted peppers.
2. Add crushed crackers and mix thoroughly.
3. Refrigerate 30 minutes then shape into 1-inch balls.
4. Roll in additional crushed crackers to coat.
5. Sprinkle with cilantro before serving.
Conclusion
With the right ingredients and techniques, it’s easy to take cream cheese from a mushy mess to perfect little cheese balls with great texture. Thickeners like shredded cheese, crushed crackers, nuts, and instant pudding mix absorb moisture to firm up the balls. Chilling before and after shaping also helps them hold their round form for a pretty presentation. The cream cheese ball recipes provided include a mix of thickening agents to try for delicious results you can proudly serve. With this guidance, even novice cooks can impress guests with these savory, sophisticated appetizers.