Elevate your appetizer game with these irresistible Mini Cheese Ball Bites! Perfect for parties and gatherings, these bite-sized delights pack all the creamy, savory goodness of traditional cheese balls into perfectly portioned treats.
Ready in just 45 minutes, they’re not only a breeze to prepare but also offer a delectable combination of textures and flavors. At just 102 calories per serving, these protein-rich morsels strike the ideal balance between indulgence and mindful snacking.
Ingredients for Mini Cheese Ball Bites
- Base Ingredients: 2 tbsp salted butter (room temp), 8 oz cream cheese (room temp) – bringing to room temperature ensures smooth mixing
- Flavor Enhancers: 2 tsp fresh lemon juice, 1/8 tsp each of Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce – adds zesty kick
- Seasonings: 1/8 tsp black pepper, 1/4 cup fresh shredded cheddar – use freshly ground pepper for best flavor
- Toppings: 1/3 cup each of dried cranberries, crushed nuts, and chopped green onions
- For Serving: 12-15 pretzel sticks – ensure they’re fresh and crispy
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cream Base Preparation: Beat butter, cream cheese, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and pepper until smooth and well-combined
- Cheese Integration: Gently fold in shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed
- Ball Formation: Portion mixture into 12-15 tablespoon-sized balls, using slightly wet hands for smooth shaping
- Chilling Time: Refrigerate balls for minimum 30 minutes to firm up
- Final Touches: Roll chilled balls in your choice of toppings (cranberries, nuts, or green onions)
- Presentation: Insert pretzel stick in each ball and serve immediately for best taste and appearance
Storage Tips
These cheese balls stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days! Just keep them in a sealed container, but wait to add the toppings and pretzel sticks until right before serving.
If you make them ahead, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before adding the toppings – this makes them extra creamy and perfect for snacking!
Mix and Match Toppings
Want to try something different? These cheese balls love new flavors! Switch up the toppings with bacon bits, everything bagel seasoning, or even mini chocolate chips for a sweet-and-salty twist.
Can’t have nuts? Double up on the cranberries or try some toasted sesame seeds instead. The cream cheese base plays nicely with almost any topping you can think of!
Serving Ideas
These little bites shine at parties! Set them out on a pretty platter with some extra pretzels on the side. They’re fantastic for holiday gatherings, game days, or any time you need an easy appetizer.
Want to make it a spread? Put them next to some fresh fruit, crackers, and maybe some honey for drizzling. They taste best at room temperature, so take them out of the fridge about 15 minutes before your guests arrive.
Make-Ahead Tips
The best part about these cheese balls? You can make them way ahead of time! Roll them into balls and keep them plain in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When party time comes around, just roll them in your toppings, pop in the pretzel sticks, and you’re ready to go. It’s such a time-saver when you’re busy with other party prep!
Mini Cheese Ball Bites
Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Medium bowl
Ingredients
For the cheese balls
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter room temperature
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/8 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese
For topping
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup crushed nuts almonds, pecans or walnuts
- 1/3 cup green onion finely chopped
- 12 pretzel sticks
Instructions
- In a medium bowl add the butter, cream cheese, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and ground pepper. Beat with an electric mixer until well combined and smooth.
- Stir in cheddar cheese.
- Use a spoon to divide the mixture into 12-15 tablespoon-size portions.
- Dip your clean hands in a little bit of water and smooth each portion into a small ball.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or as long as you want to in advance).
- Before serving, roll the balls in cranberries, nuts, parsley or green onion.
- Place a pretzel stick in each. Serve immediately.
