- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Serving: Serves 08-10
Cheese Balls
This crowd pleasing savoury snack is perfect for a picnic and has been shared with us by Alyce Alexandra from her book Quick Fix: Every Occasion. It has been enjoyed in The 4 Blades kitchen many times! It uses Tabasco® sauce which is made from fully aged red peppers, salt and distilled vinegar. It adds spice without overpowering other flavours. The eight drops included produces a mild flavour, great for children. For a bit of bite, try doubling the amount.
Recipe Tester Feedback: "I took this to a family dinner and served them with rice crackers. They were devoured. My brother-in-law ate them in preference to the store bought cheese and dip which was a great sign of a winner recipe!" - Sarah
No: Gluten / Egg / Nuts
Contains: Dairy
Preparation Time 25 minutes
Setting Time minimum 2 hours
Makes 28 small balls (individual serves), or 3-4 large balls
Best kept refrigerated until serving
Ingredients
- fresh parsley - 4 handfuls
- cheddar cheese - 250g, or tasty cheese, roughly chopped
- spring onions - 2, ends trimmed
- carrot - 1, peeled and quartered
- cream cheese - 250g, roughly chopped
- gherkins - 250g, relish
- paprika - 1 tsp, sweet
- crackers - to serve (or vegetable crudités, or apple slices)
- paprika - optional (or finely chopped macadamia nuts)
Method
- Add parsley (4 handfuls) to the bowl. Chop Speed 7 / 5 seconds. Set aside on large plate.
- Without cleaning, add cheddar cheese (250g) to the bowl. Chop Speed 8 / 5 seconds. Set aside in a bowl.
- Without cleaning, add spring onions (2) and carrot (1) to the bowl. Chop Speed 6 / 6 seconds.
- Add cream cheese (250g), gherkin relish (20g), Tabasco (8 drops), paprika (1 tsp) and grated cheese to the bowl. Mix Speed 5 / 5 seconds. Scrape down sides.
- Mix again on Speed 5 / 5 seconds. Remove from the bowl with a spatula.
- Using wet hands, shape cheese mixture into small balls or one large ball.
- Roll in chopped parsley and coat evenly. Can also roll in sweet paprika or finely chopped macadamia nuts for variation.
- Wrap each ball in cling film and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours before serving.
- Serve with crackers, vegetable crudités or apple slices.
Transporting Tip:
Transport your cheese balls once they are thoroughly chilled. Keep them wrapped in cling film and transport them in an airtight container with an icepack.
