Anyone who has lost someone knows how hard the holidays can be. It doesn't matter how much time has passed; there's always going to be a bit of sadness. My mom passed away almost eight years ago, and though it is easier, it is never easy. A long time ago, my mom, whether she knew it or not, gave me a gift that helps me feel that she is with me during the holidays. The gift she gave me is her recipes and the skills and know-how to cook them.
This cheese ball is one of those recipes. It has been a staple of my family's Christmas since before I was born. Even though my mom is gone, I still enjoy her cooking, which feels like a big hug through time and space. Each bite takes me back to every Christmas I did get to spend with her. And even though my son never got a chance to meet his grandmother, he will get to know her, in some way, through these recipes. What an amazing gift she gave me.
Cheese Ball Ingredients
You obviously can't have a cheese ball without cheese, so we'll start there. For this recipe, use two cups of old or extra old cheddar cheese. Along with the cheese, there is one hard-boiled egg, some green bell pepper, sweet gherkins, pimento-stuffed olives, cracker crumbs, minced onion, mayonnaise, and salt.
It is important to cut everything as small as possible; otherwise, the cheese ball will fall apart. For the egg, it is easiest to grate it on a cheese grater. You can find the full list of measurements in the printable recipe at the end of the post.
Putting the Cheese Ball Together
To make the cheese ball, put the cheese in a medium mixing bowl, grate the egg into the bowl, then add the remaining ingredients and mix well. Take your time mixing to make sure everything is evenly distributed. If you enjoy holiday appetizers like this, you might also like making a cheese fondue for your next gathering.
Forming and Resting the Cheese Ball
Once the ingredients have been mixed, divide the mixture into two and form into two balls. Then, wrap the balls tightly in plastic wrap. Put the cheese balls in the fridge for at least two hours to rest. It is best if you let them sit in the fridge overnight. This time allows all the flavours to combine and is crucial in getting the right taste.
Since it needs a night in the fridge anyway, I make it the day before and spend party day on my holiday charcuterie board instead.
Serving the Cheese Ball
Take the cheese ball out of the fridge, unwrap it and serve it with assorted crackers, sweet gherkins, and olives. You may want to make a double batch because it is not going to last long. This is perfect alongside other holiday appetizers or even as part of a larger homemade condiments spread.
Olives and gherkins are the classic company. These marinated mozzarella balls in herb oil are an easy addition to the same plate.
Recipe
Mom's Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 2 cups Old Cheddar Cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoon Onion, minced
- 3 tablespoon Green Bell Pepper, minced
- 2 tablespoon Olives stuffed with pimento, minced
- 2 tablespoon Sweet Gherkins, minced
- 1 Hardboiled Egg, grated
- ½ cup Soda Crackers, crushed
- ¼ cup Mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Combine and mix all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Mix well.
- Divide the mixture into two and form into two balls.
- Wrap the balls in plastic and store in the fridge for two hours before serving with crackers, olives, and pickles. It is best to rest the cheese ball in the fridge overnight to allow the flavours to come togehter.
Conclusion
This cheese ball is Christmas to me, more than almost anything else, and I will keep making it every year for as long as I'm around. If you make it, I hope it brings you as much warmth and comfort as it brings my family.
