Do you ever wonder if you can freeze a cheese ball?
I have some good news! The answer is yes. In fact, cheese balls freeze quite well. And freezing cheese balls is a very easy process to save this delicious food that will wind up being everyone’s favorite food on the appetizer or snack table.
However there are some important things that you need to consider first. Here are some tips on how to freeze a cheese ball.
Save Leftover Cheese Balls
After a gathering, you may wonder what to do with any leftover cheese balls. Tempting as it may be to eat them all, you might be all cheese-balled out.
They’re delicious, but instead of chowing down on what’s left, you can freeze cheese balls for a future event.
Here’s what to do:
You don’t want them to dry out. If the cheese gets dry, it’s not as good. And if it’s not good, no one will want to eat them. It would be such a shame for perfectly good cheese balls to go to waste.
As soon as your guests leave or it’s time to clear the appetizer table, wrap the cheese balls in plastic or something to hold in the moisture. They’re good in the fridge for 3 or 4 days.
The problem may be that you can’t eat the remainder of the cheese ball (or cheese balls) over the next couple of days.
What should you do if you can’t polish off those delicious cheeseballs in a few days? That’s why you’re here, right? You want to know if you can freeze them. And if so, you would probably like to know how to do it.
How Do You Freeze a Cheese Ball?
Follow these quick tips to make your cheese balls last!
First, check your cheese balls and remove any dry spots. Eliminating the dry sections helps preserve the integrity of the cheese.
Next, wrap up your cheese ball tightly. You’ll want to use a double layer of plastic wrap.
Even better, go for the plastic wrap that is made for freezing. And even better than that, add a layer of aluminum foil on top as the final covering.
Inspect your wrapping around the cheeseball. You want to be sure that there is no way for it to be exposed to the frozen air in your freezer.
Here’s a word of caution: If any of it is exposed, it will get freezer burn. It won’t make you sick, but the texture will be “off,” and it won’t taste as good.
If all looks good, you have a couple of choices. One thing you can do is label the cheese ball and stick it in the freezer.
That will be good, but I like an extra layer of protection, especially if you have more than one ball of cheese. I recommend putting your tightly wrapped cheese balls into a freezer safe bag. Then squeeze out all of the air and seal it.
Don’t forget to label and date your bag with the contents and date so you’ll remember to use that cheese ball while it’s still in its prime.
Maybe also make a note on your calendar so you’ll remember to throw a party or have some friends over before that date rolls around too!
Freezing Store Bought vs. Homemade Cheese Balls
Although there is absolutely nothing wrong with cheese balls from the deli department at your favorite grocery store, homemade is usually even better. I like to use both.
You can always tuck store bought cheese balls back into their original packaging (after wrapping them in plastic first, of course). That helps with identifying them later.
When you make the cheese ball, you can do even more preparation before freezing. When you have full cheese balls that haven’t been cut into, moisten your hands and pat the outside of the cheese balls.
Next, roll the cheeseball in chopped, fresh herbs or chopped nuts.
Do you have cheese balls that have been nibbled on? I like to keep a little bit of extra cream cheese to add to half-eaten cheese balls.
It’s easy to work some fresh cream cheese as well as whatever other type of cheese you originally used into the cheese ball. Then roll it in nuts or herbs.
It’s so good on crackers, but it’s even better on this cloud bread. The lightness of the bread provides the perfect foundation for the flavors of your favorite cheeseballs.
Cheese Ball Recipes
I like a variety of flavors, so check these out and pick your favorite cheese ball recipe (or recipes) to make for your get-together.
Here are some good ones:
You’ll love this walnut bacon ranch cheeseball from Back to My Southern Roots. The cheese mixture is loaded with flavor and tastes wonderful with a variety of breads and crackers.
This Christmas cheese ball from Julia’s Simply Southern is actually delicious any time of year. You can always rename it Valentine’s Day cheese ball, July Fourth cheese ball, or even Thanksgiving cheese ball.
Another flavorful one is this ranch chicken cheese ball from Southern Bite. You’ll get lots of compliments when you serve this one! It has the perfect blend of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and other flavorful ingredients!
Thawing Frozen Cheese Balls
When the time comes to use your frozen cheese ball, here’s what you need to do!
Plan ahead. Using a frozen cheese ball isn’t something you do on a whim. It needs to come out of the freezer a day or two before you’re going to serve it.
First of all, avoid the urge to place it on the counter to thaw. It might go bad because it’s a dairy product, and that would be such a waste of perfectly good cheese.
Place the cheese ball in the refrigerator the night before you want to serve it. The fridge keeps the temperature stable.
If the cheese ball is bigger than an average sized fist, it will take longer to thaw. In that case, give it a couple of days.
Keep the cheese ball in the plastic wrap to hold in the moisture. If you covered it in foil, it’s fine to remove it.
After a day of thawing in the fridge, gently unwrap your cheese ball and check things out. I like to use a toothpick for this test, sticking it into the center.
If the cheeseball has properly thawed, the toothpick will go into the ball without resistance.
Tips to Serve a Cheese Ball
After the cheese ball has thawed, you can happily serve it to guests. I’d wait until about an hour prior to everyone coming over before putting it out on your favorite serving tray.
If the cheese ball looks the slightest bit wonky or uneven, pat it back into a ball shape. Then roll it in herbs or crushed nuts, and no one will be the wiser!
Letting it sit out at room temperature allows it to soften, thus making it easier to spread. And it will be good at room temperature for several hours.
What to Serve with a Cheese Ball
I like to have a variety of crackers and breads for spreading the cheese. Also offer other appetizers for a balance of flavors.
Here are some appetizers we enjoy:
Sausage Balls – This classic appetizer is so easy, but it’s always a big hit at gatherings with family and friends.
Bacon Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes – Add color, nutrition, and yumminess to the table with this one!
Cheese Crisps – Cheese lovers will certainly appreciate these crispy delights!
Stuffed Dates – You’ll love the blend of sweet and savory flavors!
Crispy Zucchini Parmesan Chips – Easy? Check! Crunchy? Check! Delicious? Double check!
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños – Jalapeños with bacon? Yes, please!
Proper Cheese Ball Freezing and Thawing
The key to successfully freezing and thawing a cheese ball is to follow all of the steps listed above. If you do it properly, it will be just as good as the first time around!