Best Aged Cheddar And Port Cheese Balls Recipes

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OLD-FASHIONED POUNDED CHEESE WITH WALNUTS AND PORT SYRUP



Old-Fashioned Pounded Cheese With Walnuts and Port Syrup image

This recipe is basically a deconstructed cheese ball. The success of this simple spread depends on the quality of the cheese you use-the older and more velvety it is, the more distinctive the spread will be. Before beginning, make sure that the cheese is at room temperature and the butter a touch colder. It should have the consistency of putty, not rock-hard but firmer than mayonnaise-what a French chef would call beurre pommade. This can be served with bread, but I think it's actually best with crackers. Original recipe from Amy Thielen's The New Midwestern Table: http://bit.ly/15BfWIf

Provided by AmyThielen

Categories     Cheese

Time 30m

Yield 1 1/2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/2 cup port wine
1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
7 ounces aged cheddar cheese
6 tablespoons salted butter, cool but not cold
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1/3 cup walnut halves, toasted

Steps:

  • To make the port syrup, combine the port and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Simmer gently until reduced to a light syrup (it will start to throw bigger bubbles and should be the consistency of maple syrup), about 3 minutes. Let cool to room temperature.
  • Break the cheddar cheese into chunks and drop them into a food processor. Process until pureed. Add the butter, mustard, black pepper, and cayenne and process, stopping often to scrape down the sides, until whipped and smooth.
  • Transfer the cheese to a shallow dish, break up the walnut halves and drop them on top, and drizzle with the port syrup.
  • Note: The pounded cheese can be made a few hours ahead and kept at room temperature. Or it can be made the day before and kept in the refrigerator; just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before garnishing with the port syrup and nuts.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1275.5, Fat 107.1, SaturatedFat 58.7, Cholesterol 261.3, Sodium 1276.7, Carbohydrate 25.6, Fiber 2, Sugar 16.5, Protein 37.8

PORT WINE CHEESE BALL



Port Wine Cheese Ball image

Impress your guests and serve a Port Wine Cheese Ball at your next party. A refined version of the retro cheeseball made with a port wine reduction and cheese, then rolled with toasted almonds. Requires at least 2 hours of refrigeration for the cheese to firm up.

Provided by Natalie Gregory

Categories     Appetizer

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup sliced almonds
1 tablespoon butter
Pinch of kosher salt
¼ cup port wine
8 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese at room temperature
4 ounces cream cheese
¼ cup heavy cream
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Steps:

  • Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add almonds and salt. Shake skillet to spread out almonds in a single layer. Just when the almonds become fragrant, toss the almonds to continue toasting. As soon as they are mostly golden, remove from heat onto a plate lined with a paper towel. Spread them out to cool.
  • In a small saucepan over low heat, simmer port until reduced by half - about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and let cool.
  • Pulse cream cheese, cheddar, heavy cream, salt, and cayenne in a food processor until smooth. Transfer ¾ of the mixture into a bowl. Pulse remaining cheese mixture with the reduced port until smooth.
  • Gently fold the port mixture into cheddar mixture to create large swirls. Be careful not to over mix or you won't have the swirling effect.
  • Transfer the cheese mixture onto the center of a large sheet of plastic wrap. Gather the wrap around the cheese to create a softball sized ball. Twist to close. The mixture will be soft.
  • Refrigerate until firm, about 1 - 2 hours.
  • Once the cheese ball is firm, shape into a smooth ball while still wrapped in plastic. Unwrap and roll in the toasted sliced almonds, pressing with your hands to create an even coating.
  • Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for best texture. Serve and enjoy with your favorite crackers.

PORT WINE CHEESE BALL



Port Wine Cheese Ball image

I love this from the store, but too expensive. I found 1 recipe for this, and it didn't work. I messed around with it until it was what I wanted. The way my staff at work were acting, they think this is the best. I do too, and hope the people at recipezaar enjoy it as well.

Provided by cricketbird

Categories     Spreads

Time 20m

Yield 3 cups

Number Of Ingredients 5

1/4-1/2 cup port wine
1/4 cup butter, at room temperature
16 ounces cheddar cheese, grated
8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup pecans, chopped

Steps:

  • In a food processor, combine cheddar cheese and cream cheese. Pulse the food processor on and off until the two are just mixed. Put this cheese mixture into a bowl.
  • In the food processor, process butter until smooth. While the machine is running, pour in small amounts of Port Wine, processing steadily until well mixed.
  • Add the port wine/butter mixture to the cheese mixture. Mix together with a spoon.
  • Form cheese into a ball, roll in chopped pecans, or use walnuts if you'd rather.
  • Serve with crackers.
  • Enjoy!

Aged cheddar and port cheese balls recipe is an incredibly tasty and easy-to-make appetizer dish that is perfect for any occasion. This dish features the combination of aged cheese such as cheddar, blended with the rich and fruity taste of port wine. These cheese balls are rolled in a variety of different ingredients that complement the flavors of the cheese and wine.

The Ingredients

To make aged cheddar and port cheese balls, you will need several ingredients, including:
Aged Cheddar Cheese
The star ingredient of this recipe is the aged cheddar cheese. The cheese should be aged for at least twelve months to get the right depth of flavor.
Port Wine
The sweetness and richness of the port wine complement the sharpness of the cheddar cheese.
Unsalted Butter
The butter is used to bind the ingredients together and give the cheese balls a smooth texture.
Paprika
The paprika adds a smoky and slightly spicy flavor to the cheese balls.
Black Pepper
Black pepper is used to add a slight kick to the dish.
Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs are used to coat the cheese balls, giving them a crunchy texture.
Chopped Cranberries
Chopped cranberries add a sweet and tangy flavor to the cheese balls.
Chopped Pecans
Chopped pecans add a nutty and crunchy texture to the cheese balls.

The Preparation

The preparation for aged cheddar and port cheese balls is straightforward and easy to follow.
Step 1: Grate the Aged Cheddar Cheese
Begin by grating the aged cheddar cheese on a box grater or using a food processor.
Step 2: Combine the Cheese and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated cheese and unsalted butter. Mix together until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add the Port Wine
Add the port wine to the cheese and butter mixture. Mix together until well combined.
Step 4: Add the Paprika and Black Pepper
Add the paprika and black pepper to the cheese mixture, stirring until well combined.
Step 5: Shape the Cheese Balls
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, shape the cheese mixture into small balls.
Step 6: Coat the Cheese Balls
Roll each cheese ball in breadcrumbs, chopped cranberries, or chopped pecans depending on your preference.

The Serving

Serve aged cheddar and port cheese balls as a delicious appetizer dish at your next party or gathering. These cheese balls pair perfectly with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

The Conclusion

The aged cheddar and port cheese balls recipe is an effortless and delightful appetizer dish that everyone will enjoy. The combination of aged cheese and port wine provides a deliciously rich and robust flavor, which is perfectly offset by the crunchy texture of the cheese ball coating. This recipe is ideal for anyone who wants to impress their guests or simply enjoy a fantastic snack at home. Try it today, and you will surely be glad you did!
Cheddar cheese and Port wine are two of the most popular and beloved ingredients in the culinary world. They have distinct flavors that can stand on their own or complement each other perfectly. When you make aged cheddar and port cheese balls, you get the best of both worlds – a perfect blend of salty and sweet flavors that leave a memorable taste in your mouth. However, making these scrumptious balls requires some tips and tricks to ensure that they turn out perfect. Here are some of the valuable tips that you should consider when making aged cheddar and port cheese balls.

1. Ensure the Cheese is Aged

To make the best-aged cheddar and port cheese balls, you need to start with the proper cheese. The best cheddar cheese for this recipe is one that has been aged for at least one year. The longer the cheese has been aged, the more intense and flavorful it becomes. When you use aged cheese, it is easier to form the cheese balls, and the flavor is more robust. In contrast, using fresh cheese will not give you the intended flavors, and the cheese balls might fall apart.

2. Use Cream Cheese to Bind the Cheese Balls

The best way to bring together the aged cheddar cheese and port wine is to use cream cheese as a binding agent. Cream cheese is thick and creamy, which makes it easy to mold into various shapes. The cream cheese also adds more flavor to the cheese balls and helps to keep the ingredients together. When using cream cheese, ensure that it is at room temperature to make it easy to mix with the other ingredients.

3. Chill the Cheese Mixture Before Forming Balls

Once you have mixed all the ingredients, refrigerate the mixture for about an hour before forming balls. Chilling the cheese mixture makes it easier to form balls and prevents the mixture from falling apart. The mixture can be chilled for a long time, so you can take your time to form the cheese balls when you are ready.

4. Use a Scoop to Form Cheese Balls

When forming the cheese balls, it is best to use a scoop to ensure that they are evenly sized. An ice cream scoop or a small cookie scoop works perfectly for this purpose. Scoop the mixture and roll it into balls, ensuring that they are all the same size. When you use a scoop, you also get to make more cheese balls than when you form them manually.

5. The Cheese Balls Need to be Firm Before Serving

Once you have formed the cheese balls, you need to refrigerate them for about an hour before serving. This allows the cheese balls to firm up and become more flavorful. When the cheese balls are cold, they also have a better consistency, which makes them easier to handle when serving.

6. Consider Adding Nuts and Herbs to the Cheese Balls

If you want to add an extra layer of flavor to your cheese balls, consider adding nuts and herbs. Walnuts, pecans, and almonds work well with these cheese balls. To add a subtle herb flavor, you can add finely chopped parsley, rosemary, thyme, or basil. The nuts and herbs also give the cheese balls great texture and color variation.

7. Serve the Cheese Balls with Crackers

Aged cheddar and port cheese balls are best served with crackers. Choose mild-flavored crackers that do not overpower the cheese balls' taste. Consider serving a mix of whole-grain and plain crackers to add a variety of textures and tastes. You can also add fruits like grapes or sliced apples to create a beautiful cheese board.

8. Use Quality ingredients

The quality of ingredients you use can make a huge difference in how your cheese balls turn out. Use high-quality aged cheddar cheese that is full of flavor. When selecting port wine, choose a vintage port that has been aged for several years. You should also use fresh herbs and premium nuts to add an extra touch of elegance to your cheese balls. Quality ingredients will ensure that your cheese balls are delicious and memorable.

Conclusion

Making aged cheddar and port cheese balls is a simple process, but it requires a few tricks to get them right. The tips mentioned above will help you make perfect cheese balls that are full of flavor and easy to handle. Remember to use aged cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and chill the mixture before forming balls. You can also add nuts and herbs to enhance the cheese balls' flavor and texture. Serve the cheese balls with crackers and fruits to create an appetizing cheese board. With these tips, you will be able to make the best-aged cheddar and port cheese balls that everyone will love.

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