These Red, White, and Blue Cheese Balls are a unique and festive appetizer perfect for your next holiday gathering or party. With a combination of smoky roasted red peppers, fresh white sweet corn, and tangy blue cheese, these cheese balls provide a surprising burst of flavor. Coated with crunchy toasted almonds and fresh chives, every bite offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes. While their appearance may not exactly match the “red, white, and blue” theme, their flavors certainly do!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The combination of flavors in these cheese balls is nothing short of amazing. The roasted red pepper adds a smoky depth, while the fresh corn brings a sweet and crisp bite. The blue cheese provides a sharp contrast that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Rolling these balls in savory toppings like toasted almonds and chives further elevates the flavor profile and creates a delightful crunch. These cheese balls are sure to impress your guests with their bold, unexpected flavor and fun, party-ready presentation.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cheese Balls:
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2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
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3 tablespoons butter, softened
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¼ teaspoon kosher salt
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¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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1 pinch cayenne pepper
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1 cup diced roasted red peppers
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2 cups fresh white corn kernels
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4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
For the Coatings:
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½ cup chopped toasted almonds
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½ cup sliced fresh chives
Directions
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In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, butter, salt, pepper, cayenne, roasted red peppers, corn, and blue cheese. Stir until thoroughly combined.
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Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour, or until completely chilled.
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Once chilled, use a sorbet scoop or tablespoon to form tablespoon-sized balls of the cheese mixture. Place them on a lined sheet pan and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate again for about 1 hour until firm.
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Once firm, take the cheese balls and roll them in the coatings of toasted almonds and chives until completely covered.
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After coating, roll each ball briefly in your hands to achieve a perfect round shape.
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Transfer the coated cheese balls to a plate or pan and keep them chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 60 cheese balls
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Prep time: 30 minutes
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Additional time: 2 hours (for chilling)
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Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Variations
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Add More Spice: If you enjoy a little extra heat, add more cayenne pepper or even a chopped jalapeño to the cheese mixture.
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Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese. Goat cheese or creamier cheeses can be used in place of blue cheese for a milder flavor.
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Vegan Version: To make these cheese balls vegan, use vegan cream cheese and a plant-based butter alternative. For the coating, you can substitute the toasted almonds with other nuts like walnuts or pecans.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: These cheese balls should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: These cheese balls are best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat them. Just keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
FAQs
How can I make these cheese balls ahead of time?
You can prepare the cheese balls and refrigerate them up to 2 days in advance. Just make sure they are tightly covered in the fridge until you’re ready to roll them in the coatings and serve.
Can I substitute the blue cheese?
Yes, if blue cheese isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with other cheeses like goat cheese, cream cheese, or even sharp cheddar.
Can I freeze these cheese balls?
Yes, you can freeze the uncoated cheese balls for up to 2 months. Simply thaw in the fridge before coating and serving.
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
While fresh corn gives the best texture and flavor, frozen corn can be used in a pinch. Just make sure it’s thawed and well-drained before adding it to the cheese mixture.
What other coatings can I use for these cheese balls?
Feel free to get creative with the coatings. Chopped herbs like parsley or rosemary, or even finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, would also work well.
How long should I chill the cheese mixture before forming the balls?
Chill the cheese mixture for about 1 hour before forming the balls. This ensures the mixture is firm enough to handle and shape easily.
Can I serve these cheese balls at room temperature?
These cheese balls are best served chilled, but you can leave them out for up to 30 minutes before serving if you’d prefer them at room temperature.
Can I make a smaller batch of cheese balls?
Yes! The recipe can easily be halved or quartered depending on how many servings you need. Just adjust the ingredient amounts accordingly.
How do I ensure the cheese balls stay firm when served outside?
To prevent the cheese balls from softening too much in the heat, keep them refrigerated until right before serving. If serving outdoors, consider keeping them in a cooler or shaded area.
What can I serve these cheese balls with?
These cheese balls pair perfectly with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, and cucumber. You can also serve them alongside a refreshing dip.
Conclusion
These Red, White, and Blue Cheese Balls may not have the traditional red, white, and blue colors on the outside, but they’re bursting with incredible flavors on the inside. With smoky roasted red peppers, fresh corn, and tangy blue cheese, this dish is both delicious and fun. The crispy toasted almonds and fresh chives give each bite the perfect crunch, making them an unforgettable appetizer. Whether for a holiday celebration or a casual gathering, these cheese balls are sure to be a hit!
