Can you Freeze Cheese Balls?
Updated on March 2, 2023
Updated December 28, 2017
Q. I have kind of a strange question. I like to throw a lot of cocktail parties at my place, and one of the most popular items that I serve are cheese balls, believe it or not. I saw a flyer this week advertising my favourite brand of cheese ball on sale, and I would like to buy a bunch and stock up while the price is low. I’m hoping to be able to freeze the cheese balls for later, when I throw a party. I’m not sure if they would still taste as good after freezing. I’m hoping you can help me out and let me know if it’s worth buying them in advance and freezing them. Can you freeze cheeses balls?
A. That’s not a strange question at all! Yes, you can freeze cheese balls, so feel free to purchase in advance and freeze for later. Just make sure that you allow ample time for the cheese ball to thaw properly before serving it at your next dinner party. Since you can’t cut through them or microwave them to speed the thawing process along, I recommend placing the cheese ball in the refrigerator at least 24 hours before you plan to serve it, to allow the cheese ball to thaw right into the center.
How to freeze cheese balls?
When purchasing cheese balls to freeze, I recommend buying ones that are not coated in a jelly or marmalade. Nuts are fine, as they freeze well, but you don’t want your topping sliding off the cheese ball upon thawing. It may be a better idea to purchase plain cheese balls for freezing, and then rolling them in chopped nuts or herbs after thawing. This can also help disguise a cheese ball that may have lost a bit of its shape in the freezer, or whose surface isn’t as smooth as it was before going into the freezer.
To freeze a cheese ball, you can simply freeze it in the original packaging. Be sure to place the unopened cheese ball package into the coldest part of the freezer. Don’t put anything heave on top of it, or it will be squashed and lose its shape. Alternatively, a cheese ball can also be frozen by wrapping it in a double layer of plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag or a hard-sided freezer safe container for added protection against freezer burn and being flattened by heavier objects.
To thaw, remove the cheese ball from the freezer at least 24 hours before eating, and thaw in the fridge. Do not leave it on the counter to thaw. Consume thawed cheese balls within a few days. Never refreeze previously frozen cheese balls.