{"id":1325519,"date":"2019-12-03T11:31:08","date_gmt":"0001-01-01T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/origin-www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/mini-cheese-balls\/"},"modified":"2024-12-19T11:35:27","modified_gmt":"2024-12-19T17:35:27","slug":"mini-cheese-balls","status":"publish","type":"recipe","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/mini-cheese-balls\/","title":{"rendered":"Mini Cheese Balls"},"content":{"rendered":"
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.<\/p>\n
In a large bowl, mix the two cheeses together.<\/p>\n Shape the cheese mix into 36 balls, then roll them in your choice of toppings.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>, or pick a few from our list of appetizers that will please any crowd<\/a>. Alternatively, you can serve these cheese balls with crackers and fresh berries too.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" These mini cheese balls are the perfect quick appetizer for any party. Roll them in toasted sesame seeds, fresh rosemary and\/or paprika to add even more flavor. \u2014J. Spivey, Ennice, North Carolina<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8053,"featured_media":2107607,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"tags":[304272,306928,306910,305950,304328,306936,305487,304338,304515,304368,303887,306848,304348,304268,304558,304350,324623,304150,303883,304258],"categories-v2":[259484,309924,309906,339858,308984,309934,310796,308992,308880,308745,308478,309603,309000,259483,308910,309001,309177,309434,308476,309599],"coauthors":[343493],"recommended_recipes":[{"post_title":"Carrot Cake Cheese Ball","post_link":"\/recipes\/carrot-cake-cheese-ball\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Carrot-Cake-Cheese-Ball_EXPS_TOHcom23_273593_P2_MD_06_21_3b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball","post_link":"\/recipes\/chocolate-chip-cheese-ball\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Chocolate-Chip-Cheese-Ball_EXPS_TOHD24_13277_MelissaPatterson_17.jpg"},{"post_title":"Dilly Mini Cheese Balls","post_link":"\/recipes\/dilly-mini-cheese-balls\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/0001\/01\/Mini-Dilly-Cheese-Balls_EXPS_HCA19_38691_B06_22_7b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Mini Grilled Cheese","post_link":"\/recipes\/mini-grilled-cheese\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Mini-Grilled-Cheese_EXPS_HPBZ16_128_D05_25_6b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Dilly Cheese Ball","post_link":"\/recipes\/dilly-cheese-ball\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Dilly-Cheese-Ball_EXPS_THN16_196736_C06_16_7b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Mini Mac & Cheese Dogs","post_link":"\/recipes\/mini-mac-cheese-dogs\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/exps192570_SD163575D10_13_7b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Sausage Cheese Balls","post_link":"\/recipes\/sausage-cheese-balls\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Sausage-Cheese-Balls_EXPS_FT21_34101_F_1111_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Celebration Cheese Balls","post_link":"\/recipes\/celebration-cheese-balls\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Celebration-Cheese-Balls_exps38774_UH132930D05_23_1bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Cheesecake Balls","post_link":"\/recipes\/cheesecake-balls\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Cheesecake-Balls_EXPS_TOHD24_124934_KristinaVanni_6.jpg"},{"post_title":"Party Cheese Balls","post_link":"\/recipes\/party-cheese-balls\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Party-Cheese-Balls_EXPS_TOHDJ20_21874_E07_30_3b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Mini Cheese Biscuits","post_link":"\/recipes\/mini-cheese-biscuits\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps14430_QC10163C17A_.jpg"},{"post_title":"Sweet Cheese Ball","post_link":"\/recipes\/sweet-cheese-ball\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps27344_QC943310D21A.jpg"},{"post_title":"Party Time Mini Cheeseburgers","post_link":"\/recipes\/party-time-mini-cheeseburgers\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/exps40978_SD143207C05_28_6b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Mini Cheesecake Cups","post_link":"\/recipes\/mini-cheesecake-cups\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/recipeFallback.jpg"},{"post_title":"Cheese Ball Snack Mix","post_link":"\/recipes\/cheese-ball-snack-mix\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps14630_HFBZ1081941D156.jpg"},{"post_title":"Feta Cheese Balls","post_link":"\/recipes\/feta-cheese-balls\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Feta-Cheese-Balls_exps93968_BAFTB2307047C01_14_1bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Peanut Butter Cheese Ball","post_link":"\/recipes\/peanut-butter-cheese-ball\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/recipeFallback.jpg"}],"acf":{"long_pin":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Mini-Cheese-Balls_EXPS_TOHD24_246258_ChristineMa_8.jpg","long_pin_file":false,"ncv_override_generic_settings_option":false,"ncv_autoplay_option":"","ncv_stickyplay_option":"","ncv_ads_option":"","ncv_mute_option":"","ncv_comscore_option":"","ncv_autoplay_mobile_option":"","ncv_viewable_threshold_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_option":"","ncv_autopause_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_mobile_option":"","ncv_autopause_mobile_option":"","ncv_sticky_mobile_option":"","ncv_remove_player_option":false,"ncv_moat_option":""},"recipe_schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Recipe","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/mini-cheese-balls\/","name":"Mini Cheese Balls","datePublished":"2019-12-03","dateModified":"2024-10-29","prepTime":"PT15M","cookTime":"PT15M","totalTime":"PT30M","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mini-Cheese-Balls_EXPS_TOHD24_246258_ChristineMa_8.jpg","height":1200,"width":1200},"recipeCategory":["Appetizers"],"description":"These mini cheese balls are tasty bites to serve with crackers, berries or drizzled with honey. They're easy to make and require little prep time, but they'll say \"special occasion\" as part of an appetizer spread.","recipeIngredient":["1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened","2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese","Optional toppings: Toasted sesame seeds, minced fresh rosemary and paprika","Optional garnishes: Halved rye crisps and rolled tortilla chips"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Combine the cheeses","text":"In a large bowl, mix the two cheeses together.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Mini-Cheese-Balls_TOHD24_246258_ChristineMa_1.jpg?fit=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Form the cheese balls, then top them","text":"Shape the cheese mix into 36 balls, then roll them in your choice of toppings.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Mini-Cheese-Balls_TOHD24_246258_ChristineMa_2.jpg?fit=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Chill and serve","text":"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.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Mini-Cheese-Balls_TOHD24_246258_ChristineMa_3.jpg?fit=700,1024"}],"recipeYield":"3 dozen","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Tana Baer"}],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":" 47 calories","fatContent":"4g fat (2g saturated fat)","cholesterolContent":"13mg cholesterol","sodiumContent":"61mg sodium","carbohydrateContent":"1g carbohydrate (0 sugars","fiberContent":"0 fiber)","proteinContent":"2g protein."},"aggregateRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":4.6666665,"reviewCount":3,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5},"review":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2020-02-28","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"RedCactus"},"reviewBody":"These were really good. I rolled some in finely chopped bacon and some in finely chopped pecans. I put a stick pretzel in each one for easy handling. They were cute and delicious.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2020-11-16","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"GoldBottleOpener"},"reviewBody":"So fun to make, so fun to serve. I also use the mini pretzel rods in them to pick them up. I sometimes add a little garlic salt or powder to the cheese mixture.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2020-06-26","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"GoldDice"},"reviewBody":"These are lots of fun for a snack! I put out a few different toppings and garnishes and let my kids pick which ones they wanted.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}}]},"video":{"data":{"status":204},"message":"No shortcode found in recipe"},"rms_legacy_id":"246258","romance_copy_dek":"These mini cheese balls are tasty bites to serve with crackers, berries or drizzled with honey. They're easy to make and require little prep time, but they'll say \"special occasion\" as part of an appetizer spread.","enhanced_recipe_title":"Mini Cheese Balls","rms_legacy_data":{"RecipeCategories":null,"Ingredients":[{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened","IngredientText":"1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese","IngredientText":"2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"Optional toppings: Toasted sesame seeds, minced fresh rosemary and paprika ","IngredientText":"Optional toppings: Toasted sesame seeds, minced fresh rosemary and paprika "},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"Optional garnishes: Halved rye crisps and rolled tortilla chips","IngredientText":"Optional garnishes: Halved rye crisps and rolled tortilla chips"}],"FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Mini-Cheese-Balls_EXPS_TOHD24_246258_ChristineMa_8.jpg","RecipeId":246258,"AttachmentSourceId":null,"AttachmentSource":"Christine Ma for Taste Recipes","PhotoCredit":"Mini Cheese Balls Recipe photo by Christine Ma for Taste Recipes","VideoCode":null,"RecipeAttachmentFileName":"Mini-Cheese-Balls_EXPS_TOHD24_246258_ChristineMa_8.jpg","ContributorId":null,"Firstname":"Judy","Lastname":"Spivey","City":"Ennice","StateDescription":"North Carolina","IsCommunityCook":false,"TimeCallout":"Prep: 30 min. + chilling","MinimumServingQuantity":36,"MaximumServingQuantity":36,"Yield":"3 dozen.","DigitalTitle":"Mini Cheese Balls","SubmittedTitle":"Holiday Cheese Ball","RecipeTypeId":1,"AverageRating":4.67,"WebPublishedDate":"12\/3\/2019 11:31:08 AM","ContestPlacementId":null,"FbImage":"FB_TOHAM20_246258_E11_07_10b.jpg","PreparationTimeInMinutes":15,"CookTimeInMinutes":15,"TotalTimeInMinutes":30,"ServingDescription":null,"IsTestKitchenCertified":true,"IsContestWinner":false,"IsCommunityRecipe":false,"PublishedProjectTitle":"Mini Cheese Balls","OriginalSourceProject":"Mini Cheese Balls","ContestPlacement":"","Trailer":null,"Metadescription":null,"DigitalHeadnotes":"These mini cheese balls are the perfect quick appetizer for any party. Roll them in toasted sesame seeds, fresh rosemary and\/or paprika to add even more flavor. \u2014J. Spivey, Ennice, North Carolina","FreezerDirections":"","FreezerDirectionsTitle":"","HTMLTitle":null,"RecipeVersionNumber":null,"WorkflowStatusId":9,"Directions":[{"Direction":"In a large bowl, combine cheeses. Shape into 36 balls; roll balls in toppings as desired. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. If desired, press a rye crisp or rolled tortilla chip into the top of each cheese ball just before serving.","SequenceNo":1}],"RecipeTaxonomies":{"Budget":[],"CookingStyle":[],"Course":[{"Name":"Course","ID":0},{"Name":"Appetizers","ID":94246},{"Name":"Cocktail Party Appetizers","ID":96710},{"Name":"Cold Finger Food Recipes","ID":94838},{"Name":"Easy Appetizers","ID":94346},{"Name":"Easy Finger Foods","ID":94842},{"Name":"Finger Food Recipes","ID":96714},{"Name":"Finger Foods","ID":94282},{"Name":"Holiday Finger Foods","ID":94850},{"Name":"Hors d'oeuvre Recipes","ID":96722},{"Name":"Make-Ahead Finger Foods","ID":94858},{"Name":"Party Appetizers","ID":94358}],"Cuisine":[],"HealthyEating":[{"Name":"Healthy Eating","ID":0},{"Name":"Low Carb Appetizers","ID":105172},{"Name":"Low Carb Recipes","ID":105168},{"Name":"Low Fat Appetizers","ID":105176},{"Name":"Low Fat Recipes","ID":105180}],"HolidaysAndCelebrations":[{"Name":"Holiday & Celebration Recipes","ID":0},{"Name":"Baby Shower Recipes","ID":104174},{"Name":"Bridal Shower Recipes","ID":104186},{"Name":"Christmas Appetizers","ID":104194},{"Name":"Christmas Recipes","ID":104190},{"Name":"Easter Appetizers","ID":104258},{"Name":"Easter Recipes","ID":104254},{"Name":"Easy Christmas Recipes","ID":104218},{"Name":"New Year's Appetizers","ID":104478},{"Name":"New Year's Recipes","ID":104474},{"Name":"Super Bowl Party Appetizers","ID":104526},{"Name":"Super Bowl Recipes","ID":104522}],"Ingredients":[{"Name":"Ingredients","ID":0},{"Name":"Cheese Recipes","ID":100417},{"Name":"Cream Cheese Recipes","ID":100429}],"Kids":[],"PartnerRecipes":[],"Publications":[{"Name":"Publication","ID":0},{"Name":"All Taste Recipes Magazine Recipes","ID":107457},{"Name":"Taste Recipes Magazine Appetizers","ID":107469},{"Name":"Taste Recipes Magazine Recipes","ID":107265}],"WinningRecipes":[],"Tags":[{"Name":"Cooking Style","ID":304328},{"Name":"Easy","ID":304338},{"Name":"Make-Ahead","ID":304348},{"Name":"Quick","ID":304350},{"Name":"Dishes & Beverages","ID":305487},{"Name":"Cheese Balls","ID":305950},{"Name":"Holidays & Events","ID":304368},{"Name":"Events & Gatherings","ID":304515},{"Name":"Potluck","ID":304558},{"Name":"Ingredients","ID":306848},{"Name":"Cheddar Cheese","ID":306928},{"Name":"Cheese","ID":306910},{"Name":"Cream Cheese","ID":306936},{"Name":"Meal Types","ID":304268},{"Name":"Appetizers","ID":304272},{"Name":"Techniques","ID":304150},{"Name":"Toasting","ID":304258},{"Name":"Recipes","ID":324623}]},"ContributorTypeId":1,"NutritionalAnalyisParagraph":"1 cheese ball: 47 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 61mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.","NoOfRatings":3,"GoogleImage16x9":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/GoogleImages\/Mini-Cheese-Balls_EXPS_TOHD24_246258_ChristineMa_8.jpg","GoogleImage4x3":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/GoogleImagesPostCard\/Mini-Cheese-Balls_EXPS_TOHD24_246258_ChristineMa_8.jpg","DefaultImageYn":false,"NativeRecipeTemplate":false,"IsMsn":false,"PinterestImage":"","CarouselImages":[],"SponsorLogoImage":"","SponsorID":"","GlobalCookingTips":[],"RecipeSpecificCookingTips":[]},"breadcrumb":[{"term_id":309177,"name":"Recipes","slug":"recipes","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":309112,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Browse Taste Recipes recipes by course, cooking style, cuisine, ingredient, holiday and more categories to find a new family-favorite recipe.","parent":0,"count":51238,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/"},{"term_id":310796,"name":"Dishes & Beverages","slug":"dishes-beverages","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":310731,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Wondering what to make? We've got recipes for any dish and beverage you're craving, from easy dinners to rich chocolate cakes and everything in between.","parent":309177,"count":43600,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/"},{"term_id":339858,"name":"Cheese Balls","slug":"cheese-balls","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":339789,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Find a classic cheese ball recipe to get the party started!","parent":310796,"count":72,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/cheese-balls\/"}],"meta_data":{"enhanced_fields":{"enhanced_recipe_title":"Mini Cheese Balls"}},"analytics":[],"yoast_head":"\nChristine Ma for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Step 2: Form the cheese balls, then top them<\/h3>\n
Christine Ma for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Step 3: Chill and serve<\/h3>\n
Christine Ma for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Christine Ma for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Mini Cheese Ball Variations<\/h2>\n
\n
How to Store Mini Cheese Balls<\/h2>\n
How long do mini cheese ball bites last?<\/h3>\n
Mini Cheese Ball Tips<\/h2>\n
Christine Ma for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Can I use a different type of cheese?<\/h3>\n
What else should I serve with mini cheese balls?<\/h3>\n
Why are my cheese balls crumbling?<\/h3>\n