These Mini Cheese Balls are not only fun, but they're delicious! From the salty bacon to the crunchy fried onions and sharp cheeses, you get a medley of flavors that create a party in your mouth. If you're looking for something crowd-pleasing but not a ton of work, these bite-sized cheese balls are worth a try.
Recipe Essentials
- 🍽️ Course: Appetizer
- ⏱️ Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- 🍴 Servings: 44
- 🧄 Flavor Profile: Creamy, tangy, and savory with a hint of sharp cheese and herbs.
- 🍚 Best Served With: Crackers, pretzels, or veggies; perfect for charcuterie boards.
- 🧊 Make Ahead?: Yes, prep 1-2 days ahead, chill, and roll in coatings before serving.
Summarize and Save This Content On
Mini appetizers are so cute and enjoyable, and these small cheese balls are so great! I enjoy the ranch flavor in them as well, as it adds some herbs to cut through the richness of the cheese and savoriness of the bacon. Just be careful that you don't eat too many!
If you enjoy cheesy appetizer recipes, try this blue cheese ball and pizza dough balls.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's budget-friendly: This is a great appetizer recipe for a tight budget because the components used are very inexpensive.
- It's picky eater approved: The cheesy bacon flavors are loved by even the pickiest eaters. This includes kids, too!
- It's easy to make: I love how simple these mini cheese ball bites are to make. It's a fun and creative yet uncomplicated presentation.
Ingredients
The ingredients below are essential to make the best cheese balls ever. I use everyday items to create a spectacular mini appetizer!
- Cheese: I use a combination of cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar. They add creaminess and saltiness that go well with the bacon and ranch.
- Bacon: You can cook the bacon fresh, use leftover cooked bacon, or store-bought bacon bits. Any will work great!
- Ranch seasoning: You only need 1 1-oz packet of ranch seasoning. If you have a bulk container, it will be about 3 tbsp.
- Crispy onions: These add a subtle, crunchy texture and depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Pretzels: I use pretzel sticks to stick into the mini cheese bites to make them easy to pick up and serve. It's mainly for aesthetics, but the crunchy pretzel also tastes good with the cheese.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Roll them in nuts: Gently roll the cheese balls in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
- Add jalapenos: Stir in chopped fresh or pickled jalapenos for a spicy kick.
- Add chopped olives: For even more savory flavor, you can include chopped green or black olives.
How to Make Mini Cheese Ball Appetizers
Below are all the steps needed to make this simple appetizer of mini cheese balls. Most of the work is just mixing the ingredients! It's so quick and easy.
Step 1: Beat the cream cheese. First, add your cream cheese to a mixing bowl and use an electric mixer to beat it until it's light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add the other ingredients. Then, add the other cheese ball ingredients to the bowl and stir until they're all well incorporated.
Step 3: Form the balls and chill them. Next, form 1 tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the lined baking sheet. Place them in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm.
Step 4: Add the pretzels. Stick one pretzel stick into the top of each cheese ball and serve!
Recipe Tips
- Refrigeration directions: Store any leftover cheese balls tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You may also gently place them into an airtight container.
- Oil your hands: If you use your hands, gently rub some neutral oil like vegetable oil on them so the cheese mixture doesn't stick to them.
- Chill the mixture if needed: If you find that the balls are not holding shape, place the bowl into the fridge for a few minutes to chill it. This will make it less soft and easier to hold its shape.
Another mini cheese ball bites recipe to try is chevre goat cheese balls.
Serving Suggestions
- Spread the mixture onto some air fryer garlic bread for a fun twist!
- Enjoy them as they are or as a dip with veggies, crackers, or chips. I especially love these air fryer bagel chips.
- Incorporate them into this burrata cheese board for your next party!
- Serve them with jam, like this jalapeno jam or raspberry jalapeno jam to balance the richness of the cheese.
Recipe FAQs
If the mixture is too warm, it can make the cheese balls fall apart as you form them. Work quickly or place the mixture in the fridge so that when you make the cheese balls, they hold up.
I don't recommend freezing these because when they thaw, it changes the texture and consistency of the cheese. Plus, they take on extra moisture as well.
Use a cookie scoop to form the balls to ensure they remain round and uniform.
More Delicious Appetizer Recipes
Do you like appetizer recipes? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Mini Cheese Balls
Ingredients
- 2 8- ounce brick cream cheese softened
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup bacon bits
- 1 1- ounce package ranch seasoning
- 2 tablespoons crispy fried onions minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 44 pretzel sticks
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl add cream cheese and beat until soft and fluffy (note: this step is optional, but I find it easier to mix).
- Add shredded cheese, bacon bits, ranch seasoning, crispy fried onions, chopped parsley and mix well.
- Drop 1 tablespoon balls onto the lined sheet and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Once ready to serve add one pretzel stick into each cheese ball.
Notes
- Avoid freezing these cheese balls for the best texture and consistency possible. They're much better fresh!
- Put the cheese mixture in the refrigerator to chill slightly if the balls don't hold their shape.
- I also recommend placing the bowl in the fridge if you notice the mixture has become too warm.
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