Description

These Mini Cheese Ball Bites are creamy, flavorful, and perfect for parties or appetizers. Made with a blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and a mix of spices, these bite-sized snacks are coated in chopped nuts, fresh herbs, and optional crispy bacon bits for a delightful crunch and burst of flavor. Refrigerated to firm up, they can be served with crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables for an easy and elegant treat.

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)

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Instructions

Mix Cheese Ingredients: Combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Chill Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cheese mixture for 30 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to handle for shaping.
Form Cheese Balls: Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of the chilled cheese mixture and roll each scoop between your palms to form smooth balls.
Prepare Coatings: Place chopped nuts, fresh herbs, and crispy bacon bits (if using) in separate shallow bowls or plates ready for rolling the cheese balls.
Coat Cheese Balls: Roll each cheese ball in your choice of coatings, pressing gently so that the coating adheres evenly across the surface of the cheese ball.
Chill Before Serving: Arrange the coated cheese balls on a serving platter. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow them to firm up and flavors to meld.
Serve: Serve these mini cheese balls chilled alongside crackers, slices of bread, or fresh vegetables as an appetizer or party snack.

Notes

Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
Feel free to mix and match the coating ingredients to suit your taste.
These cheese balls can be made a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon bits.
Use fresh herbs for a vibrant flavor boost.
To speed up chilling, you can briefly put the mixture in the freezer for 15 minutes before rolling balls.