Mini cheese balls are mouthwatering morsels that are the perfect appetizer whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a scrumptious snack!

A plate of Mini Cheeseballs 3 Ways on a black plate with sprigs of rosemary.


 

Mini Cheese Balls are the perfect bite-sized appetizers or snacks that pack a punch of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a delicious after-school treat, these little delights are sure to please.

The great thing about the little cheese balls is that you can make them in a variety of flavors. We’re sharing three different flavor combinations to get you started!

Ingredients for Mini Cheeseballs 3 Ways

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Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Cheeses – This recipe uses a mixture of cream cheese, goat cheese, and white cheddar cheese.
  • Honey – Just a little honey adds a nice sweetness to the cheese and compliments the tart flavor of the goat cheese.
  • Lemon juice – A little lemon brightens anything up and gives it a fresh flavor. You can also you lemon zest if you want a more lemon forward flavor.
  • Toppings – We’re getting you started with 3 different flavor combinations for these you’ll need dried cranberries, pistachios, pecans, bacon, and chives.

How to Make Mini Cheese Balls 3 Ways

A glass bowl filled with cream cheese and goat cheese to make Mini Cheeseballs 3 Ways

Step 1 – The Base. Combine the cream cheese, goat cheese, white cheddar cheese, honey, and lemon juice. Stir them together until they are well combined.

Step 2 – Roll. Roll the cheese mixture into 1-inch cheese balls.

Step 3 – Flavor combinations. On separate small plated combine the ingredients you’ll use to coat the cheese balls. In this case you will need 1 small plate for the chopped pecans and chopped bacon, mixed together. A second small plate combine the pistachios and cranberries, mixed together. A third small with finely chopped chives.

Pistachio and Ingredients for Mini Cheeseballs 3 Ways on a black plate.

Step 4 – Coating. Divide the cheese balls into 3 equal portions and roll 1/3 in the bacon pecan coating, 1/3 in the cranberry pistachio coating, and 1/3 in the fresh chives.

Step 5 – Chill. Set the coated cheese balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour. 

Step 6 – Serve. Serve chilled.

Cranberry Mini Cheeseballs 3 Ways balls on a stick.

Other Variations

Mini Cheese Balls are incredibly versatile. You can experiment with different flavor combinations by adding ingredients like:

  • Sun-dried tomatoes, olives, jalapenos, etc.
  • Nuts – Walnuts, macadamia nuts, almonds, etc.
  • Dried or fresh herbs – dill, oregano, rosemary, thyme, etc.
  • Spices and Seasonings – ranch, chili, onion powder, garlic powder, everything bagel seasoning, etc.
  • Alternate cheeses – Blue cheese, feta cheese, Boursin cheese, smoked gouda, etc. If you use alternate cheeses we suggest replacing the goat cheese with soft cheeses and the white cheddar with firm cheeses. Cream cheese should remain in your base for all variations.

These variations will delight your taste buds and keep your guests coming back for more.

A plate of Mini Cheeseballs 3 Ways on a black plate with sprigs of rosemary.

Mini Cheese Balls as Party Appetizers

These little cheese balls are a party host’s dream. They’re not only delicious but also visually appealing. Arrange them on a platter with a variety of coatings, and watch them disappear as your guests indulge in this irresistible treat.

Mini Cheese Balls – A Kid-Friendly Snack

Mini Cheese Balls are not just for adults. Kids love them too! They are the perfect size for small hands and can be a fun and nutritious snack option. You can even involve your little ones in the rolling and coating process; it’s a great way to spend quality time together in the kitchen.

A black plate with a bunch of Mini Cheeseballs 3 Ways and a rosemary sprig.

How to Serve Mini Cheese Balls

  • On a Platter: Arrange your mini cheese balls on a stylish platter. You can group them together or spread them out for an appealing presentation. We like to line the platter with fresh herbs to
  • With Toothpicks: Provide toothpicks alongside the cheese balls. This makes it easy for your guests to pick them up without getting their fingers messy.
  • Accompaniments: Serve your mini cheese balls with some complementary items like:
    • Crackers: A variety of crackers, including plain, whole wheat, or flavored, make a great pairing.
    • Pretzels: Pretzel sticks stuck in the cheese ball rather than a toothpick is a delicious and fun alternative!
    • Vegetable Sticks: Carrot, celery, and cucumber sticks are healthy options for dipping.
    • Meats and cheeses: Serve on a platter with complimentary meats and hard cheeses. We especially like prosciutto, genoa salami, and chouriço.
  • Dips: Offer some dipping sauces or spreads like:
    • Honey: Drizzle a bit of honey for a touch of sweetness.
    • Mustard: Spicy or Dijon mustard complements the savory flavors.
    • Fruit Preserves: Try fruit preserves like fig or apricot for a sweet contrast.
    • Salsa: A mild salsa can add some zing to your mini cheese balls.

Remember, the key is to get creative and have fun with your presentation. Your guests will appreciate the effort, and these mini cheese balls are sure to be a hit at any gathering!

Bacon Mini Cheeseballs on a stick.

How to Store Them

  1. Refrigeration: The best way to store mini cheese balls is in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container with a lid. Make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the cheese balls without crowding them.
  2. Layering: If you need to stack the cheese balls in the container, separate the layers with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together.
  3. Sealing: Ensure the container is tightly sealed to keep out moisture and odors from the fridge.
  4. Temperature: Store the container in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically near the back or on a lower shelf.
  5. Duration: Mini cheese balls can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.
  6. Serve Chilled: Mini cheese balls are best enjoyed chilled, so take them out of the refrigerator shortly before serving to allow them to come to a slightly cooler than room temperature for the best taste and texture.

By following these storage guidelines, you can keep your mini cheese balls fresh and delicious, whether you’re preparing them in advance for a party or saving some leftovers for later enjoyment.

How Long Do Mini Cheese Balls Last:

When stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, mini cheese balls can last for approximately 3 to 4 days. During this time, they should maintain their flavor and texture.

Pistachio and cranberry Mini Cheeseballs 3 Ways on a black plate.

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Servings: 24
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Mini Cheese Balls 3 Ways

Mini cheese balls are the perfect appetizer whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a scrumptious snack!
A plate of Mini Cheeseballs 3 Ways on a black plate with sprigs of rosemary.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese
  • 4 ounces Goat Cheese
  • 4 ounces White cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Honey
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup Finely chopped dried cranberries
  • ¼ cup Finely chopped pistachios
  • ¼ cup Finely chopped pecans
  • 5 slices Cooked bacon, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons Finely chopped chives

Instructions

Cheese Ball Base

  • Combine the first five ingredients and stir together until well combined.
  • Roll the cheese mixture into 1-inch balls.
  • On a small plate combine the chopped pecans and chopped bacon and mix together.
  • On a second small plate combine the pistachios and cranberries and mix together.
  • On a final plate add the finely chopped chives.

Bacon Pecan

  • Roll 1/3 of teh cheese balls in chopped pecans and bacon.
  • Set the coated cheese balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour.
  • Serve chilled

Cranberry Pistachio

  • Roll 1/3 of the cheese balls in chopped dried cranberries and pistachios
  • Set the coated cheese balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour.
  • Serve chilled

Chives

  • Roll 1/3 of the cheese balls in chopped chives.
  • Set the coated cheese balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour.
  • Serve chilled

Nutrition

Serving: 1ball, Calories: 93kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.003g, Cholesterol: 18mg, Sodium: 106mg, Potassium: 46mg, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 246IU, Vitamin C: 0.4mg, Calcium: 52mg, Iron: 0.2mg
Nutrition Disclaimer: We are not certified nutritionists. Nutrition facts are an estimate and are provided as a courtesy. They are generated by an online API which recognizes ingredient names and amounts and makes calculations based on the serving size. Results may vary.
Author: Kat Jeter & Melinda Caldwell
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: mini cheese balls
Handwritten signature for Kat & Melinda