Cheese Ball Bites are the perfect appetizer for parties, holidays, or any gathering. These mini cheese balls are creamy, flavorful, and packed with a mix of cheeses, herbs, and spices, rolled in a variety of coatings for a beautiful and tasty presentation.
Easy to make and fun to customize, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd favorite!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or spatula
- Small bowls for coatings
- Tray or platter
- Toothpicks or pretzel sticks
Ingredients
For the Cheese Balls
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Coatings (Choose 3-4 or mix and match)
- Finely chopped nuts (e.g., pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
- Crumbled bacon
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives
- Crushed crackers or pretzels
- Everything bagel seasoning
Directions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Chill the Mixture
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the mixture, making it easier to roll.
- Shape the Cheese Balls
- Once chilled, use a small spoon or cookie scoop to portion the mixture. Roll each portion into a ball about 1 inch in diameter.
- Roll in Coatings
- Place your chosen coatings in small bowls. Roll each cheese ball in a coating until evenly covered. Use a different coating for variety.
- Serve or Chill
- Arrange the cheese balls on a serving platter. Insert a toothpick or pretzel stick into each for easy serving. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Chill Time
30 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Nutrition (Per Cheese Ball – Makes 24)
- Calories: 80
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fat: 7g
- Sugar: 0g
Expert Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare the cheese mixture and roll the balls up to 2 days in advance. Coat them just before serving for the freshest presentation.
- Custom Coatings: Get creative with your coatings—try crushed tortilla chips, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut for unique flavors.
- Portion Control: Use a small cookie scoop for even-sized cheese balls.
FAQs
Can I make these without nuts?
Yes, simply omit nuts and choose other coatings like herbs or crushed crackers.
Can I freeze cheese ball bites?
Yes, freeze the rolled cheese balls without coatings in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and add coatings before serving.
What can I serve with cheese ball bites?
They’re great on their own, but you can pair them with crackers, sliced veggies, or breadsticks for an extra treat.
Storing & Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover cheese ball bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: These are best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary.
Substitutions & Variations
- Cheese: Swap cheddar for gouda, pepper jack, or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Variation: Add a dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or finely chopped jalapeños to the cheese mixture.
- Herbaceous Option: Mix in fresh dill, thyme, or rosemary for a herby twist.
Cheese Ball Bites
Equipment
- - Mixing bowl
- - Hand mixer or spatula
- - Small bowls for coatings
- - Tray or platter
- - Toothpicks or pretzel sticks
Ingredients
- #### For the Cheese Balls
- - 8 oz cream cheese softened
- - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- - 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- - 1 tsp garlic powder
- - 1/2 tsp onion powder
- - 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- - Salt and pepper to taste
- #### For the Coatings Choose 3-4 or mix and match
- - Finely chopped nuts e.g., pecans, walnuts, or almonds
- - Crumbled bacon
- - Chopped fresh parsley or chives
- - Crushed crackers or pretzels
- - Everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
- **Prepare the Cheese Mixture**
- - In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- **Chill the Mixture**
- - Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the mixture, making it easier to roll.
- **Shape the Cheese Balls**
- - Once chilled, use a small spoon or cookie scoop to portion the mixture. Roll each portion into a ball about 1 inch in diameter.
- **Roll in Coatings**
- - Place your chosen coatings in small bowls. Roll each cheese ball in a coating until evenly covered. Use a different coating for variety.
- **Serve or Chill**
- - Arrange the cheese balls on a serving platter. Insert a toothpick or pretzel stick into each for easy serving. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
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