These little balls of creamy Swiss cheese make great appetizers or snacks.
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons Swiss cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons freshly grated horseradish
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup minced fresh chives
Beat together the cream cheese, swiss cheese, horseradish, and salt with an electric mixer on medium speed.
Roll the cheese mixture into small balls. Place the chives in a shallow dish. Roll the cheese balls in the chives and place them on a waxed paper or plastic wrap lined plate.
Place the plate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Let come to room temperature then serve with crackers.
For extra flavor, try adding in a touch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the cheese mixture.
To make the cheese balls easier to roll, chill the mixture in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before shaping.
To add a crunchy texture, roll the cheese balls in crushed nuts or crispy breadcrumbs instead of chives.
Consider adding a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze on top of the cheese balls for a sweet and savory contrast.
For best results, use freshly shredded Swiss cheese instead of the pre-shredded (bagged) kind. The pre-shredded cheese contains starch that will affect the texture.
You can substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyere or another mild, nutty cheese for a similar flavor.
You can prepare the cheese balls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Allow enough time to let them come to room temperature before serving.
Stored in an airtight container, the Swiss cheese balls can last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
You can freeze the cheese balls for up to a month. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Mixer: A hand or stand mixer will make it much easier to beat the ingredients together for a smooth and creamy mixture. You can mix it by hand using a wooden spoon but it will definitely be more work (and less smooth).
Waxed Paper or Plastic Wrap: For lining the plate to prevent the cheese balls from sticking and making cleanup a breeze.
Plate: Needed to hold the cheese balls as they chill in the refrigerator before serving. Make sure it fits in your fridge!
Cracker Serving Platter: Not necessary for making the cheese balls, but definitely needed for serving these tasty treats to your guests. Choose one that complements your presentation style (or lack thereof).
Bacon Wrapped Dates: the sweet and savory combination of the bacon wrapped dates will complement the creamy and tangy flavor of the Swiss Cheese Balls. Plus, who doesn't love bacon?
Grapes: the sweetness of the grapes will balance out the richness of the Swiss Cheese Balls, creating a nice taste contrast.
Crostini: the crunchy texture of the crostini will provide a nice contrast to a schmear of the savory Swiss cheese. It's all about that texture!
Fancy Charcuterie Board: add these Swiss Cheese Balls to a charcuterie board with some prosciutto, olives, and assorted nuts for a sophisticated appetizer. The salty and savory elements will enhance the creamy and tangy flavors of the cheese balls.
Wine Pairings
Chardonnay: The buttery notes of a Chardonnay will complement the creamy texture of the Swiss cheese balls.
Riesling: The slight sweetness of a Riesling will balance out the tanginess of the horseradish in this recipe.
Pinot Noir: A light-bodied Pinot Noir will provide a fruity contrast to the richness of the cream cheese.
Other Alcohol Pairings
Gin and Tonic: The herbal notes of the gin will complement the fresh chives in the recipe.
Sparkling Wine: The effervescence of sparkling wine will cleanse the palate between each bite of the cheese balls.
IPA: The hoppy bitterness of an IPA will cut through the creaminess of the cheese.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Sparkling Water: The bubbles in sparkling water will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich cheese balls.
Iced Green Tea: The earthy notes of green tea will add a light complexity to the flavor of this dish.
Apple Cider: The crispness of apple cider will pair well with the tangy horseradish in this recipe.
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