Description
Mini Cheese Ball Bites are bite-sized, creamy cheese balls made with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and sour cream, flavored with garlic and onion powder, and coated in a crunchy mixture of chives, nuts, and bacon. Perfect as a party appetizer, these no-cook snacks are served on pretzel sticks for easy handling and can be prepared ahead of time.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Coating
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh chives
- ¼ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
- ¼ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
Serving
- Pretzel sticks for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Chill the cheese mixture: Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the mixture to firm up, which makes it easier to shape into balls.
- Prepare the coating: While the cheese mixture chills, combine finely chopped fresh chives, chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts), and crumbled cooked bacon in a shallow bowl. This will be used to coat the cheese balls for added texture and flavor.
- Form the mini cheese balls: Once the cheese mixture is firm, scoop out small portions about 1 tablespoon each. Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth, compact balls.
- Coat the cheese balls: Roll each cheese ball in the prepared coating mixture until fully covered with the chive, nut, and bacon blend.
- Insert pretzel sticks: Carefully insert a pretzel stick into each coated cheese ball to serve as a handle and for easy snacking.
- Serve or chill: Arrange the mini cheese balls on a platter and serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve to keep them fresh.
Notes
- These mini cheese balls can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- For flavor variations, swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack, gouda, or your favorite cheese.
- To make a nut-free version, replace nuts with finely crushed pretzels or crispy fried onions.
- Use gluten-free pretzels for a gluten-free appetizer.
