Cheese ball toppings add extra flavor and complement the cheese.
The cheese ball is a universal dish that works well at any party. There are a variety of cheese ball recipes that will fit any palette. However, making the perfect cheese ball is about more than just the cheese recipe itself, but also about the cheese ball topping. When choosing a coating for cheese balls, you can use foods that aren't typically used to make a more creative recipe, or you can use a more traditional topping that you know will be a hit.
Pecans
Nuts are a more traditional topping for cheese balls, and the most popular type of nuts for this purpose are pecans. Pecans add a rich, savory flavor to any type of cheese ball. In addition, they add a nice crunch to the soft consistency of the cheese that creates a balance between the cheese and the cracker or chip it is served with. To use pecans as coating for cheese balls, a food processor or blender is used to crush the nuts to a crumb consistency. The nuts can also be placed in a plastic bag and crushed with a rolling pin for a more coarse coating. If the cheese ball is served at a party, be sure to inform all of the guests that pecans are used as a coating in case there is an allergy.
Chili Powder
Chili powder is a more original type of cheese ball topping. Chili powder is ideal for guests who like spicier food. The heat and tang of the chili powder combines nicely with the salty, creamy taste and texture of the cheese ball for a very different taste experience. The cheese ball can be made using cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder and nuts, if desired. The cheese ball is shaped into a ball and rolled in chili powder. The cheese ball can be served with any type of cracker, but it is especially flavorful served with a southwest or tomato flavored cracker for a queso type taste. Not only will your guests love the originality of this cheese ball recipe, but they will also love the contrasting red and yellow colors that it brings to the food table.
Bacon
Cured meat toppings for cheese balls bring an entire new element to this traditional dish. Bacon is an especially popular topping because of the salty, smoky flavor it adds to the dish. To make a bacon coated cheese ball, regular or turkey bacon is precooked until it is crispy and crunchy. When the bacon has cooled, it is crumbled into small pieces, and the cheese ball is rolled in the bacon until it is coated. Cheddar cheese balls are especially nice when paired with bacon, but any recipe will taste great.
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