These mini cheese balls are packed with creamy, savory flavor and just the right touch of sweet and crunchy. They’re the perfect bite for parties, holidays, or quick no-cook snacks.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Holly’s Recipe Highlights
- Flavor: A balanced mix of creamy, tangy, smoky, and sweet in every bite.
- Skill Level: Mini cheeseballs are the easiest appetizer.
- Recommended Tools: A small cookie scoop ensures even-sized portions.
- Time-Saving Tip: Prep mini cheese balls up to 3 days ahead, then add the pretzel sticks right before serving so they stay nice and crunchy.
- Serving Suggestions: These are perfect to add to a charcuterie board with cranberry brie bites for a festive, homemade touch.
Cheese Ball Ingredients
- Cream cheese: Use block-style, softened cream cheese for the best structure; whipped cream cheese is not dense enough for bite-sized cheese balls.
- Sour cream: Adds a creamy tartness and makes the mixture super easy to mix, shape, and roll.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Shred it finely for the best cheeseball texture and bold flavor.
- Bacon bits: Smoky, salty bacon flavor pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. If time permits, chop real bacon pieces instead of using store-bought bacon bits.
- Pecans: Toast them in the oven, or in a hot, dry pan for a few seconds for deep flavor and crunch. Toasted walnuts, pistachios, or almonds can be used in place of pecans.
Variations
- Fruit Swap: Try chopped dried apricots or cherries for a sweeter flavor in every bite.
- Savory-Only: Skip the dried fruit and add minced jalapeño or extra minced green onion.
- Nut-Free: Try rolling in crushed croutons, crackers, or everything bagel seasoning.
- Herb Boost: Add dill or chives along with parsley for extra freshness.
Holly’s Pro Tips for Bite-Size Cheese Balls
- Don’t skip the chill! It helps the mixture firm up so the mini cheese balls will hold their shape.
- If the mixture is too soft to roll, chill it for an extra 20 to 30 minutes, then try again.
- Oil the cookie scoop to keep the cheese from sticking.
- Toast the nuts before rolling for extra flavor.
Storing, Freezing, and Making Ahead
- Store assembled mini cheese balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add optional pretzel sticks right before serving so they stay nice and crunchy.
- Freeze uncoated cheese balls for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and roll in fresh toppings before serving.
Holiday Appetizers Everyone Loves
Did you make these Mini Cheese Balls? Leave a comment and rating below.
Ingredients
- ½ cup pecans more as needed
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese softened
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- ¾ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 green onion finely minced
- ¾ cup finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup dried cranberries finely chopped
- ¼ cup bacon bits
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 22 pretzel sticks optional
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F. Arrange the pecans on a baking sheet. Bake until the nuts release their aroma, then allow them to cool completely and finely chop.
- In a medium-sized bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy. Add sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and green onion. Mix until well combined.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, and bacon bits. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
- Use a small cookie scoop to form the mixture into 22 tablespoon-sized portions, then roll into small balls using clean hands.
- On a small plate, combine the chopped pecans and parsley. Roll each cheese ball in the coating, pressing gently to adhere. If desired, poke each with a pretzel stick.
- Refrigerate the mini cheese balls for at least 30 minutes before serving. Remove from the refrigerator about 15 minutes prior to serving for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Do not use spreadable cream cheese as it won’t hold its shape.
- Try swapping cranberries for chopped dried apricots or other dried fruit.
- Use a lightly oiled small cookie scoop for even portions.
- Prep ahead: These can be made up to 3 days in advance or prepared and frozen up to 1 month before serving. Roll in the topping the day of serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 82 | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.002g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 89mg | Potassium: 40mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 206IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 0.2mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Appetizer, Party Food, Snack
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
