Description
These Mini Cheese Ball Bites are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. Creamy cream cheese is combined with sharp cheddar, Parmesan, sour cream, and spices, then rolled into bite-sized balls and coated with nuts, fresh herbs, or crispy bacon bits for added texture and flavor. Chilled to perfection, these cheese balls are ideal when served with crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Coatings
- 2–3 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or dill)
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
- 1 cup chopped fresh herbs (optional)
- ½ cup crispy bacon bits (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the Cheese Base: Combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Use a spoon or mixer to blend until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the cheese mixture for 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to shape into balls.
- Form the Cheese Balls: Scoop out approximately 1 tablespoon portions of the chilled cheese mixture and roll each portion between your palms to form smooth, compact mini cheese balls.
- Prepare Coatings: Arrange the chopped nuts, fresh herbs, and crispy bacon bits in separate shallow bowls to use as coatings for the cheese balls.
- Coat the Cheese Balls: Roll each cheese ball in your choice of coatings, pressing gently so the nuts, herbs, or bacon bits adhere well to the surface of the balls.
- Refrigerate Before Serving: Place the coated cheese balls on a platter and refrigerate them for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and the texture to set.
- Serve: Present the mini cheese ball bites chilled alongside crackers, slices of bread, or fresh vegetables for dipping and enjoyment.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the cheese balls to chill thoroughly before serving.
- You can customize the coatings with your favorite nuts or herbs for variety.
- These mini cheese balls can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Serve with an assortment of dipping options like crackers, sliced baguette, or crisp vegetables for a complete appetizer.
