These cheese ball recipes are number one on the New Year’s Eve table! Taste it

Who wouldn’t love to have the best cheese ball recipes at their fingertips?

Nothing beats the joy of treating your guests to this scrumptious delicacy during Christmas or New Year.

And when it comes to the best cheeses and combinations to serve, you’ll find all the answers by the end of this article

Date & Blue Cheese Ball

Cheese balls were a popular party food in the 1970s due to their ease and deliciousness. Nowadays, this retro snack has made a comeback, and a healthier version of the classic cheese ball is gaining popularity. The new version is made with blue cheese, dates, shallots, and a hint of lemon zest, which gives it a unique flavor that is both sweet and savory.

Ingredients

• 8 oz of low-fat cream cheese (bar style), at room temperature
• 1 cup crumbled blue cheese, at room temperature
• 1 tbsp reduced-fat buttermilk
• 3 tbsp minced Medjool dates (5 to 6 pitted dates)
• 1 tbsp minced shallots
• 1 tsp grated lemon zest
• 2 1/2 tbsp finely chopped toasted walnuts

Method

•  In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the cream cheese, blue cheese, and buttermilk on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the dates, shallots, lemon zest, salt, and pepper and beat until well combined.
• Transfer the cheese mixture to a large sheet of plastic wrap/cling film and form it into a ball. Wrap the ball in the wrap and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 2 hours or overnight.
•  In a shallow bowl or plate, mix the parsley and walnuts. Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator.
• With the wrap/film still on, shape it into a well-formed ball. Unwrap the cheese mixture and roll it gently in the nut mixture until all sides are well covered.
• Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Broccoli Cheese Balls

Broccoli cheese balls are crispy, fried, and absolutely delicious!

They make a perfect finger food for holiday parties or game days. You can also make them as an after-school snack, and your kids will surely think you are the coolest parent ever.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 heaping cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded Colby cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 ounces Velveeta, cut into small chunks
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 1/4 cups Panko crumbs, divided
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil

Method

• Steam broccoli until slightly softened. Let cool.
• Finely chop broccoli. You want the pieces to be 1/4-inch or less. Place in a large bowl.
• Add cheese, red pepper flakes, 1/4 cup Panko crumbs, and 1 egg to bowl with broccoli. Stir well.
• Use your hands to shape the mixture into balls using about a rounded tablespoon for each ball. You should get 12-14.
• Place balls on a plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• Place flour in a bowl.
• Place the 2 lightly beaten eggs in a second bowl and mix in 1 tablespoon water.
• Place the remaining 2 cups of Panko crumbs in a third bowl.
• Pour about 2 inches of oil into a Dutch oven or heavy pot. Heat oil to 375 degrees.
• Remove broccoli balls from the refrigerator, coat in flour, dip in egg mixture, and then coat in Panko crumbs. 
• Fry about 4 balls at a time cooking until golden brown on all sides.

Cheese and Bacon Balls

The recipe for bacon cheese balls is simply amazing. It is made by combining sharp cheddar and cream cheese with crumbled smoked bacon, finely chopped green onions, basic spices, and beer.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 4 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cream cheese
• 1/4 cup beer
• 4 green onions, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

Method

• In a large plate, mix together 1/2 cup of bacon and 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese.
• In a medium bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of bacon and 2 cups of cheddar cheese with the cream cheese, beer, green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
• Mix until completely combined and the mixture is smooth.
• Transfer the mixture to the freezer for 10-15 minutes.
• Once chilled, make several cheese balls from the mixture and roll them in the bacon and cheddar mixture.
• Serve the bacon cheese balls immediately with crackers or vegetables of your choice.
• Enjoy!

Fried Cheese Potato Balls

Fried Cheese Potato Balls are a delicious and crispy appetizer that’s popular in Indian cuisine. They’re easy to make and are perfect for vegetarians and those who follow a gluten-free diet.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup processed cheese
• 1/2 cup cheddar
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon of ground cumin
• A dash of garam masala (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped coriander or parsley leaves
• 4 tablespoons chickpea flour (or plain flour)
• teaspoon of salt
• oil for frying as needed

Instructions:

• Boil the potatoes until they are fully cooked, then peel them and mash them very well in a bowl.
• Add black pepper powder, cumin powder, garam masala (if using), and chopped coriander or parsley leaves to the mashed potatoes. Mix well.
• Add all-purpose flour to the potato mixture and mix until well combined.
• Add grated cheese and salt to the mixture and mix well.
• Shape the mixture into small balls using your hands.
• Heat oil in a pan on medium heat.
• Once the oil is hot, add the potato balls to the pan.
• Fry the balls until they are evenly golden all over and crispy.
• Once they are well fried, place them on kitchen paper towels to drain the excess oil.
• Serve hot with ketchup, coriander chutney, or mint chutney.
• Enjoy!

What is the best way to combine cheeses, jams, and wine?

As you prepare for the upcoming New Year’s Eve celebration, remember that each flavor you choose plays an important role in creating a memorable experience.

With the right pairing of cheese, jam, and wine, you can create a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds.

Intense gorgonzola pairs well with delicate pear marmalade, and a sweet port wine can help balance the strong taste of the cheese.

Soft and creamy brie goes well with apricot marmalade, and a refreshing white wine like Riesling can complement the cheese’s smoothness.

Classic cheddar can be paired with rich onion marmalade (chutney), and a quality Syrah red wine can enhance the combination of cheese and onion.

Delicate camembert pairs well with sweet cranberry marmalade, which goes perfectly with the delicious red wine Pinot Noir.

Delicious gouda can be paired with refreshing orange marmalade, and a dry white wine like Chenin Blanc can support the sweet taste of the marmalade and cheese.

With a little creativity and experimentation, you can create a delicious and harmonious combination that will be the highlight of your celebration.