All the Queso De Bola Recipes You Need This Christmas

Christmas brings another opportunity for us to thoroughly enjoy queso de bola. It's a special, intrinsic part of every Noche Buena. We think it's because it's like a perfectly wrapped gift with its brilliant red wax sealing the hard, aged, umami-packed, deep yellow-hued cheese when opened. 

However, if you end up with any leftover cheese, you've got two options to use any that don't make it into your holiday stomach: store it or turn it into something amazing!

How to store it? Smother the exposed cheese sides with butter or oil and press against parchment paper. Seal in a plastic bag, or better yet, use foil to wrap it up. This will keep your cheese mold-free as long as possible.

Here's how to use it in recipes: There's more to queso de bola than just munching on it with bread and crostini. There are so many ways to use it in recipes! Serve your queso de bola a little differently this Christmas with these easy cheesy recipes:  

Snack and Appetizer Recipes

1 Queso de Bola Breadsticks Recipe

These aren't just great as snacks and appetizers. Wrapped in cellophane and ribbon, these breadsticks will also make the perfect gift!

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Queso de Bola Breadsticks

May 14, 2015

2 Baked Queso de Bola and Spinach Spread Recipe

Think this is too expensive to make? Check out SM's freezers for affordable frozen spinach!

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Baked Queso de Bola and Spinach Spread

Apr 21, 2015

3 Fried Suman with Butter, Panucha, and Queso de Bola Recipe

This is best for your misa de gallos or Simbang Gabi, as a Christmas-y snack to warm you up.

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Fried Suman with Butter, Panucha and Queso de Bola

Jun 25, 2016

Main Course Recipes

Photo by Lilen Uy

4 Baked Penne with Queso de Bola Sauce Recipe

Penne drenched in a decadent cheesy queso de bola sauce just hits the spot.

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Baked Penne with Queso de Bola Sauce Recipe

Nov 16, 2015

5 Holiday Mac and Cheese Recipe

It's the perfect pasta for your Noche Buena spread! Even the young ones who aren't used to queso de bola will love it.

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Holiday Mac and Cheese

May 28, 2015

Photo by Miguel Nacianceno

6 Chicken-Ham Embutido Recipe

You can store these, too, which means you can extend the flavors of Christmas for far longer! Want a unique idea to fully use your Christmas leftovers? Try using jamon leftovers instead of your usual ham!

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Chicken-Ham Embutido Recipe

Nov 6, 2015

7 Cheesy Sausage and Vegetable Lasagna Recipe

Queso de bola makes your favorite lasagna even better-trust us.

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Cheesy Sausage and Vegetable Lasagna

Apr 10, 2015

Photo by Miguel Nacianceno

8 Stuffed Pork Hamonado Recipe

Normal cheese just doesn't cut it for this recipe. The strong character of queso de bola is the perfect fit for this festive main course.

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Stuffed Pork Hamonado Recipe

Jul 15, 2016

Dessert Recipes

This bread pudding is made of ensaymada and topped with queso de bola.

Photo by Aldwin Aspillera

9 Ensaymada Bread Pudding Recipe

Turn your fave ensaymada into a dessert (or breakfast!) to remember with this twist.

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Ensaymada Bread Pudding Recipe

Sep 22, 2016

Photo by Bianca Laxamana

10 Queso De Bola Cheesecake Recipe

Creamy, decadent, and absolutely special-this queso de bola cheesecake will be the highlight of your Noche Buena spread.

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WATCH: How To Make A Queso De Bola Cheesecake

Dec 14, 2017

The sky is the limit! Queso de bola that's been grated finely can also be the perfect umami complement to any of your dishes. There's so much you can do with queso de bola so be sure you don't waste one bit!

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This Is What People Eat For Noche Buena Around The Philippines

Dec 12, 2018

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Got Extra Queso De Bola? Use It to Make This Cheesy Dip

Jan 1, 2018

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WATCH: These Glazes Will Make Your Christmas Ham Extra Delicious

Dec 14, 2018