Mini Cheese Balls Appetizer

Name: Mini Cheese Balls Appetizer
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 oz. cream cheese (softened); 1 cup shredded cheese (sharp or any cheddar blend); 3 tbsp. mayonnaise; 1 tsp. onion powder; 1 tsp. garlic powder; 1 cup pecans (finely chopped ); ¼ cup bacon bits (or small bacon crumble pieces); 2 tbsp. parsley (chopped); 20 pretzel sticks

4.93 from 13 votes

Posted by Andrea Updyke

on Dec 07, 2022, Updated Nov 18, 2024

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Mini cheese balls have the perfect ratio of cream cheese to the crunchy outer layer of bacon, chopped nuts, and herbs.

I love a good cheeseball during the holiday season. But once the outside layer is gone, I tend to lose interest. This mini cheese balls recipe takes an already easy party appetizer to the next level.

Now, instead of scooping cheese onto your plate, you have individual finger foods that are easy to grab off the holiday party table with no mess.

And these party plates with cupholders make stepping up to the food table even easier.

What could be better?

What I Love about Mini Cheeseballs

Perfect appetizer
Savory
Crunchy
Variety of flavors
Make-ahead recipe

Ingredients

Similar to a large cheese ball, this mini cheese ball appetizer starts with a cream cheese mixture that is rolled in various toppings to create these delicious little guys in just 30 minutes.

Finish out the appetizers with Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Balls, Air-Fryer Hot BBQ Wings, and Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket for one amazing tasting experience.

Here’s what you need:

Cream cheese, softened
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Mayonnaise
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Pecans
Bacon bits
Fresh herbs (like parsley, basil, or cilantro)
Pretzel sticks

How to Make Them

Easy appetizers are my jam and I especially love savory flavors. So basically everything in this recipe.

Start with a medium mixing bowl and add softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, mayonnaise, onion powder, and garlic powder.

Using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, gently stir the mixture until the ingredients are well combined.

Transfer the cheese mixture to the refrigerator to chill for 15 minutes.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Then in a shallow dish, stir together finely chopped pecans, chopped bacon, and parsley.

TIP: If your toppings aren’t chopped to your liking, add them to a food processor and pulse 2-3 times to combine before transferring to the plate.

Use a cookie scoop or roll balls with your hands, about 1 inch in diameter.

Then coat the outside of the cheese balls with the pecan bacon mixture by rolling them on the plate. Arrange them on the parchment paper.

roll balls in coating and set on wax paper

Gently press a pretzel stick into the center of each mini cheese ball and you’re done.

Eat right away or put the little cheese balls on a serving platter and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until serving time.

gently press a pretzel stick into each bite size cheeseball

Recipe Variations

This is a great party appetizer because it can be made with so many different flavors. Choose your favorite flavors and have fun with it.

Here are a few more combinations to try:

Separate the toppings so there is only one type per bite.
Add green onion to the cheese mixture
Try using goat cheese and roll it in dried cranberries
Serve with pita chips or crackers
Spice it up with some red pepper flakes
Swap the cheddar for pepper jack cheese
Use another soft cheese like Boursin if you prefer

If you loved this recipe, please leave a star rating and/or comment below! 🌟

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