Mini Cheese Balls

These mini cheese balls are fun, easy to make and a delightful appetizer to serve as part of a snack spread. This recipe calls for a few simple ingredients and very little prep time. And while the finished cheese balls will need to be refrigerated for at least eight hours, once they’re chilled, they’re ready to enjoy. The best part? They’re super versatile, allowing you to create a variety of flavors based on the toppings you choose. This mini cheese ball recipe is a good one to keep on hand, as these treats are ideal for a holiday gathering or any large get-together. Trust us, they’re a total crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for Mini Cheese Balls

• Cream cheese: You’ll want the cream cheese to be nice and soft prior to starting this recipe.
• Cheddar cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar cheese is the tastiest option here.
• Optional toppings: Start with toasted sesame seeds, minced fresh rosemary and paprika together (or separately) to create divine flavor as toppings.
• Optional garnishes: Serve your mini cheese balls with rye crisps and rolled tortilla chips.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the cheeses

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In a large bowl, mix the two cheeses together.

Step 2: Form the cheese balls, then top them

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Shape the cheese mix into 36 balls, then roll them in your choice of toppings.

Step 3: Chill and serve

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Cover and refrigerate the mini cheese balls for eight hours or overnight. To serve them, press a rye crisp or rolled tortilla chip into the top of each cheese ball, if desired.

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Mini Cheese Ball Variations

• Play with the flavor: Finely minced chives, fresh herbs such as parsley, basil or cilantro, or another herb of your choice would also make tasty toppings.
• Skewer them: Making for a fun (and pretty!) appetizer, you can skewer mini cheese balls and layer them with chunks of fresh tomato in between.
• Drizzle them with honey: Along with the herbs, drizzle the cheese balls with honey before serving.

How to Store Mini Cheese Balls

Store any leftover mini cheese balls in the fridge. You can either keep them in an airtight container, or store them on a plate and wrap the entire thing in plastic wrap.

How long do mini cheese ball bites last?

These sweet, tasty little cheese ball appetizers will last for up to four days in the fridge. Because they need to be chilled before serving, they’re an excellent option for bringing along to a dinner party or potluck.

Mini Cheese Ball Tips

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Can I use a different type of cheese?

Sharp cheddar really tastes the best in mini cheese ball bites, but you can switch it up if you’re so inclined. Monterey Jack and Colby are great options, and if you’d like a bit of a bite, you can try shredded pepper jack cheese.

What else should I serve with mini cheese balls?

These are a fun-sized app, with the emphasis on “fun-sized.” If you’d like to add more to the table, peruse our best meat appetizers, or pick a few from our list of appetizers that will please any crowd. Alternatively, you can serve these cheese balls with crackers and fresh berries too.

Why are my cheese balls crumbling?

Cheese balls can crumble if you’re using cheeses that are too cold or too hard. That’s why we recommend thoroughly softening the cream cheese, as well as making sure to use a shredded cheddar. Firm or dry cheeses just won’t work here. You can use a bit more cream cheese if you’re still having issues. Additionally, limit the extra toppings, as they can dry out the cheese balls and lead to crumbling or breaking apart.