White cheese balls are a delicious snack made by combining softened cream cheese with shredded cheddar, parmesan, and other cheeses. The creamy cheese mixture is then formed into small balls, rolled in various coatings, and chilled until firm. Read on to learn more about the history, ingredients, and prep tips for making these tasty bite-sized treats!
What is the history of white cheese balls?
Cheese balls have long been a popular appetizer and party snack, but when and where they originated seems to be unclear. Some sources cite 1950s America as the birthplace of cheese balls rolled in nuts or bacon. During this postwar era, foods like cheese balls, rumaki (bacon-wrapped chicken livers), and other bite-sized snacks became trendy.
Cream cheese itself was created in the late 1800s in New York by American dairyman William Lawrence. By the 1930s-40s, Kraft’s Philadelphia Brand Cream Cheese had become a staple in many kitchens. With this creamy ingredient on hand, cheese balls likely began appearing at cocktail parties and gatherings.
But the concept of combining cheese into balls coated with seeds, spices, or other ingredients is much older. In Medieval Europe, sticks, pine nuts, or black pepper were often rolled with soft cheese for an appetizer. Some food historians think this medieval recipe could be the early progenitor of our modern cheese balls.
What are the main ingredients in white cheese balls?
The main ingredients in classic white cheese balls are:
- Cream cheese – Provides the soft, creamy base.
- Shredded cheddar – Adds flavor and texture.
- Grated parmesan – Boosts the cheesy flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella – Contributes stretch and binding.
- Softened butter – Enriches the texture.
- Minced garlic – Extra flavoring (optional).
- Chopped herbs like chives, parsley or dill – Fresh flavor and color (optional).
The cheese mixture is then rolled into balls and coated with:
- Chopped nuts – Pecans, walnuts, almonds or pistachios.
- Dried herbs – Paprika, dill, oregano, garlic powder, etc.
- Bacon – Crispy cooked, crumbled bacon.
- Breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
- Sesame seeds, poppy seeds or everything bagel seasoning.
What tools are needed to make white cheese balls?
You just need a few simple kitchen tools:
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon for mixing
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater for shredding cheese
- Rolling pin (optional, helps shape balls)
- Wax paper
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls for coatings
A food processor can speed up shredding and mixing, but isn’t required.
What is the basic method for making white cheese balls?
Here is an overview of the key steps:
- Soften cream cheese and butter.
- Shred and grate cheddar, parmesan and mozzarella.
- Mix all cheese ingredients well until fully combined.
- Chill 1-2 hours until firm enough to shape.
- Roll cheese mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a wax paper-lined baking sheet.
- Coat balls in chopped nuts, herbs, bacon, etc.
- Refrigerate 30 minutes to set coating.
- Serve chilled or return to fridge until ready to serve.
What are some cheese ball coating variations?
There are endless options for coating your cheese balls! Popular combinations include:
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Dried parsley, dill, oregano, rosemary, thyme
- Paprika or cayenne for heat
- Italian seasoning or taco seasoning
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Crumbled crispy bacon
- Crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs
- Toasted sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning
- Dried ranch seasoning
Feel free to get creative and use your favorite herbs, spices, nuts and crunchy toppings to coat the cheese balls.
How long will white cheese balls keep in the refrigerator?
Properly stored in an airtight container, white cheese balls will keep fresh in the fridge for around 1 week. The nuts or coatings may lose some crunch over time. For longer storage, cheese balls can be frozen for 2-3 months.
Here are some fridge and freezer storage tips:
- Place coated cheese balls in a sealed container, separating layers with wax paper.
- For freezer storage, flash freeze balls on a sheet tray before transferring to a freezer bag.
- Let thaw overnight in fridge before serving if frozen.
- Bring to room temperature for 30 minutes for best texture.
How should white cheese balls be served?
White cheese balls make great additions to an appetizer spread, holiday party or cheese boards. Here are some serving tips:
- Arrange cheese balls on a serving platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
- Pair with crackers, apple and pear slices, or toasted baguette.
- Include a cheese knife for spreading the cheese balls onto crackers.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, dill or chives.
- Serve chilled accompanied by white wine or sparkling cocktails.
- Set out small plates and napkins for easy snacking.
What are some variations on classic white cheese balls?
The basic cheese ball recipe is very versatile. Some flavorful variations include:
- Bacon Cheese Balls – Mix in crumbled bacon and coat with chopped pecans.
- Jalapeño Popper Balls – Add diced jalapeño and cheddar, coat with crushed corn chips.
- Taco Cheese Balls – Stir in taco seasoning and chives, coat with crushed tortilla chips.
- Blue Cheese Balls – Swap in crumbled blue cheese and coat with walnuts.
- Italian Cheese Balls – Use oregano and parmesan, coat with Italian breadcrumbs.
- Cheddar Beer Balls – Add beer and cheddar, coat with pretzel pieces.
Conclusion
White cheese balls are the perfect easy appetizer for any occasion. Their mild, creamy cheese flavor takes well to sweet, savory, or spicy coatings. Next time you host a crowd, impress them with homemade cheese balls. They come together quickly and can be made ahead of time and chilled until party time. Let your creativity run wild playing with different herb and nut coatings. Serve these bitesized snacks at your next game day party, book club, or office celebration!