Needless to say, we adore Joanna Gaines. She’s a businesswoman, mother of five, author and domestic goddess. She also likes to share her most beloved family recipes, including biscuits that took her over a year to perfect and scrumptious Crew’s Cookies. And now, Joanna is sharing her famous cheese balls!
She has admitted to using the “trial and error” method in her recipes until they reach perfection (and approval from her kids and husband Chip), a philosophy we love.
How to Make Joanna’s Cheese Balls
You start with a simple cheese ball recipe. Then, form three medium-sized balls to make a cheese ball “spread.” Each one will have its own savory coating: chopped parsley, fresh-cracked ground pepper and chopped walnuts.
Generously roll the formed cheese balls into bowls filled with each coating, creating a generous outer layer of flavor that will complement the cheese beautifully. Delicious!
Watch the video from the Magnolia Table YouTube channel for her step-by-step process, plus tips and tricks that Joanna swears by.
Psst: This is where to find Joanna Gaines’ stand mixer.
What Is Joanna’s Special Technique?
What we love about Joanna’s cheese ball-making method is that she uses an ice cream scoop and her hands to get them into the optimal round shape. But don’t worry if you get a little messy. As she likes to say, “If your kitchen is not messy, you’re not having fun!”
After each cheese ball is done, simply wrap them in plastic wrap so the ingredients can come together. Then, pop them in the fridge for 3-4 hours or overnight.
What Do You Serve with Cheese Balls?
This trio of cheese balls is fragrant and flavorful—not to mention gorgeous on a cheese board. Each has a different texture and taste profile. The parsley cheese ball is refreshing and herbal. The black pepper ball is spicy and a bit gritty (in the best way). The walnut cheese ball is savory and crisp. Cheese balls taste great paired with salty pretzels and chips, toasty crackers and crunchy veggies like carrots and celery. (Don’t forget a glass of wine!)
We can’t wait to serve these charming cheeses and hear the compliments fly from all angles. Thank you for sharing this recipe, Joanna!
Sweet & Savory Pineapple Cheese Ball
One of my favorite dishes in childhood was my mom's pineapple and green pepper cheese ball. Now I make it, and it’s always a hit. —Susan Harrison, Laurel, Maryland
Bacon, Cheddar and Swiss Cheese Ball
When it’s time for a party, everyone always requests this ultimate cheese ball—it’s such an impressive appetizer. And if you’re a party guest, it makes a fabulous gift for your hosts.—Sue Franklin, Lake St. Louis, Missouri
Ham-Cheddar Cheese Ball
With the classic combo of ham and cheese, this spread is a year-round favorite at our house. For football parties, shape the mixture into a football and add strips of Swiss for the laces. —Michele Moore, Mooresville, Indiana
Pumpkin Cheese Ball
No one will guess that this make-ahead pumpkin cheese ball has pumpkin in it, but that subtle ingredient lends harvest color and added nutrition. —Linnea Rein, Topeka, Kansas
Savory Cheese Ball
Blue cheese contributes a pleasant, tangy bite and olive a saltiness to this creamy cheese ball recipe. For the optimum taste, let the cheese ball stand at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving.—Jan Stawara, Howell, Michigan
Garlic-Parmesan Cheese Ball
This garlic cheese ball is one of our entertaining mainstays. It complements most meals and is so easy to prepare and dress up with a variety of garnishes. —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York
Crab Rangoon Cheese Ball
My whole family loves crab rangoon, so I wanted to come up with a healthier version—no deep frying! Word of advice: Make a double batch. This won't last long! —Bridget Mooney, Chicago, Illinois
3-in-1 Cheese Ball
Three incredible cheese balls in flavors like pesto, horseradish-bacon and Gorgonzola make for a dazzling display at any get-together. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pomegranate Macadamia Cheese Ball
Cheese balls are a dime a dozen during the holidays, but this one earns points for being posh. It's creamy, sweet, spicy and studded with pecans and pomegranate seeds. We scoop it up with pita chips, but it can also be served with chutney, jam or high-quality crackers. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Party Cheese Balls
These tangy cheese balls are guaranteed to spread cheer at your next gathering. The ingredients create a colorful presentation and a savory combination of flavors. —Shirley Hoerman, Nekoosa, WisconsinThe post Joanna Gaines Just Shared Her Family’s Recipe for Cheese Balls appeared first on Taste of Home.
Ceara Milligan