Mini Cheese Ball Bites
Crave-worthy mini cheese ball bites that are bursting with flavor from two kinds of cheese, bacon, and pecans. The perfect party appetizer!
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These mini cheese ball bites are a favorite party appetizer in our house!
They’re creamy, cheesy, and bacon-y with a bright punch of green onion, and they’re so easy to make.
I love that they’re nearly bite-sized and great for individual servings. Such a better way to enjoy those traditional cheese ball recipes!
We love them for Christmas party food, New Year’s food, or any excuse for a celebration.
This recipe works because it’s:
- Great for a crowd: This recipe makes 20 good-sized servings so every party guest can enjoy these delicious bites!
- Fun to make: Party prep isn’t always fun, but these little cheese balls are a nice little break from trickier recipes. It’s simple enough that kids can help. (My oldest, JJ, wanted to make sure I let everyone know he helped make the batch in these photographs!)
- Easy to eat: Classic cheese balls are great, but you don’t always get all of that yummy coating once everyone starts digging in. These single-serve balls have all that goodness in every bite! And, no one has to stand in line to slice off their hunk!
Step-by-Step Instructions
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, stir together 12 oz softened cream cheese, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 3 Tablespoons mayo, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder until well combined.
This part takes a bit. Just keep going until everything is mixed through with a creamy texture!
Once the mixture is well-blended, cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.
While the mixture is chilling, make the cheese ball coating by combining 1 cup finely chopped pecans, 1/4 cup minced cooked bacon (or bacon bits), and 2 Tablespoons minced green onion.
I like to pop the bacon and pecans into my food processor to make it easy!
When the cheese mixture is done chilling, take a small cookie scoop (or use your hands) to form the mixture into uniform balls. Aim for about 1 inch to get 20 servings.
Next, coat each ball in the bacon pecan mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks and there are no large gaps.
You can serve the cheese balls as they are, or stick them with pretzel sticks or crackers.
Chill in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container until ready to serve!
Recipe Tips and Substitutions
Tips and Tricks
- Chill before shaping. Refrigerate the cheese mixture for at least 15 minutes so it’s firm and easier to roll.
- Use a small scoop. A 1–2 tablespoon cookie scoop keeps the bites uniform for a polished platter.
- Slightly damp hands. Lightly wet or oil your hands to prevent sticking while rolling.
- Make ahead friendly. Form the balls a day ahead and coat them just before serving for freshness.
Substitutions
- Green onion swaps: If you don’t like green onion or don’t have any on hand, feel free to use parsley or chives, instead.
- Pecan Swaps: Walnuts make a great substitute for pecans.
- Cream cheese swaps: Use light cream cheese or Neufchâtel cheese for slightly healthier cheese balls.
- Shredded cheddar swaps: You can swap cheddar cheese with just about any other cheese you prefer, except for parmesan (too sharp) and Swiss (too mild).
Hungry for More?
If you liked these cheese ball bites, be sure to check out these other party food favorites!
- St Patrick’s Day Reuben Dip for a Crowd
- Pear and Honey Blue Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizer
- Easy Mardi Gras Party Food for a Crowd
- Easy New Years Food for a Crowd
- Puff Pastry Spinach Rolls
FAQs
Yes. You can prepare the cheese mixture and shape the balls up to 24 hours in advance. For best texture and appearance, wait to add the outer coating until shortly before serving.
Store cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3–4 days.
Absolutely. Try coatings like chopped herbs, everything bagel seasoning, crushed pretzels, bacon bits, or finely shredded cheese.
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, stir together 12 oz softened cream cheese, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 3 Tablespoons mayo, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder until well combined and creamy.
- Cover and chill for at least 15 minutes.
- While the mixture is chilling, make the cheese ball coating by combining 1 cup finely chopped pecans, 1/4 cup minced cooked bacon (or bacon bits), and 2 Tablespoons minced green onion.
- When the cheese mixture is done chilling, take a small cookie scoop (or use your hands) to form the mixture into uniform balls. Aim for about 1 inch to get 20 servings.
- Coat each ball in the bacon pecan mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks and there are no large gaps.
- Serve with pretzels or crackers.
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