Description
These Mini Cheese Ball Bites are creamy, flavorful, and perfect for any party or gathering. Made with a blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan, seasoned with garlic, onion, and smoked paprika, then coated with nuts, fresh herbs, or crispy bacon bits, these bite-sized appetizers are easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 2–3 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or dill)
Coating Ingredients
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
- 1 cup chopped fresh herbs (optional)
- ½ cup crispy bacon bits (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Cheese Base: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Chill Mixture: Cover the cheese mixture and place it in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes the mixture easier to handle for shaping.
- Form Cheese Balls: Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the chilled mixture and roll each into a small ball between your palms, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Prepare Coatings: Place the finely chopped nuts, chopped fresh herbs, and crispy bacon bits each into separate shallow bowls to be used as coatings.
- Coat Cheese Balls: Roll each cheese ball in your choice of coating(s), gently pressing to ensure the coating sticks evenly. You can mix and match coatings according to preference.
- Refrigerate: Arrange the coated cheese balls on a serving platter or tray. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow them to firm up and flavors to develop.
- Serve: Serve chilled with crackers, slices of bread, or fresh vegetables for a delightful appetizer.
Notes
- You can use any combination of nuts, herbs, or bacon bits for coating based on preference or dietary needs.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- These cheese balls can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- For a vegetarian option, omit bacon bits and use only nuts and herbs for coating.
- Serve chilled to maintain shape and texture.
