Description
These Cheese Ball Bites are a fun and easy-to-make appetizer, perfect for parties and gatherings. Made with creamy cheese, flavorful mix-ins, and rolled in a variety of toppings, they’re delicious, bite-sized crowd-pleasers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
For the coating options:
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
- 1/4 cup crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup everything bagel seasoning
Optional for serving:
- Mini pretzel sticks or toothpicks
Instructions
1. Make the cheese mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and green onions (if using). Mix until well combined and smooth.
2. Chill the mixture
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes, or until the mixture is firm enough to shape.
3. Prepare the coatings
- Place the toppings (parsley, nuts, bacon, everything bagel seasoning) in separate small bowls.
4. Form the cheese balls
- Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture and roll it into a ball.
- Roll the cheese ball in the desired coating until fully covered. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
5. Serve
- Insert a mini pretzel stick or toothpick into each cheese ball for easy serving.
- Arrange the cheese ball bites on a platter and serve chilled.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Cheese ball bites can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Topping Variations: Try rolling the bites in crushed crackers, dried cranberries, or sesame seeds for a unique twist.
- Spicy Option: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the cheese mixture for a kick.Cheese ball bites, Party appetizers, Cream cheese bites, Mini cheese balls, Easy finger food