These Mini Cheese Balls are the perfect holiday party appetizer! The bite-sized cheese balls are coated in a festive combination of dried cranberries, nuts, green onions, and parsley. They are a delicious, easy way to enjoy a cheese ball!

Love easy, bite-sized appetizers? Check out my Greek Phyllo Hummus Bites and Cranberry Brie Bites!

Mini cheese balls with pretzel sticks on a white plate.

before you get started / kelley’s tips

  • Use Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for easy mixing and a smooth texture.
  • Finely Chop the Toppings: Chop the cranberries, nuts, green onions, and parsley small enough to evenly coat the cheeseballs.
  • Use a Cookie Scoop: A small cookie scoop ensures evenly sized cheeseballs without the mess.
Mini cheese balls placed on a white plate.

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    ingredients needed

    • Softened cream cheese: Is the base of the cheese ball. Make sure to use full fat cream cheese for the best flavor!
    • Sour cream: Typical cheeseballs call for just cream cheese however I like the tang the sour cream gives to the cheese balls! If you don’t have sour cream you can add a tablespoon or so of fresh squeezed lemon juice.
    • Worcestershire sauce: Adds a bold savory flavor.
    • Garlic powder: I add garlic to everything and cheese balls are no exception!
    • Sharp cheddar cheese: Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, rather than pre-shredded which tends to give cheese balls a weird texture.
    • Toppings: Dried cranberries, chopped nuts and fresh herbs!

    how to make mini cheese balls

    • Blend ingredients. Add cream cheese, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, scallions and garlic powder to a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until everything is combined. If you don’t have a stand mixer this can be done in the food processor or by hand with some elbow grease!
    • Add cheese. Fold in the cheddar cheese by hand.
    Blended ingredients for mini cheese balls.
    Cheese ball ingredients with cheese added.
    1. Scoop cheese balls. Portion into tablespoon size balls.
    2. Separate the toppings. Add the cranberries, green onions and parsley and nuts to three separate shallow bowls.
    Cheese balls placed on a white plate before toppings are added.
    Toppings separated into three white bowls.
    1. Roll balls in toppings. Dip each cheese ball into one of the desired toppings and roll around to coat the cheese ball. Then roll the cheese ball between your hands (this will get the toppings to stick.)
    2. Chill and serve. Place in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Serve as is or with a pretzel stick in them!
    A cheese ball in a bowl with chopped walnuts.

    frequently asked questions

    What can I use instead of nuts for the coating?

    If you want a nut-free option, try crushed crackers, pretzels, or crumbled bacon.

    how long does a cheeseball stay good for?

    • In the Fridge: Store the mini cheeseballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
    • In the Freezer: Freeze uncoated cheeseballs for up to 1 month. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling them in the toppings.
    • Before Serving: Let refrigerated cheeseballs sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
    A hand holding up a cranberry cheese ball with a pretzel. There are more cheese balls on a white plate below.

    more holiday appetizers to try!

    Mini Cheese Balls with pretzels on a white plate.

    Mini Cheese Balls

    Rate Print
    These Mini Cheese Balls are the perfect holiday party appetizer! The bite-sized cheese balls are coated in a festive combination of dried cranberries, nuts, green onions, and parsley. They are a delicious, easy way to enjoy a cheese ball!
    Servings: 12 cheese balls
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes

    Ingredients 

    Toppings

    • 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
    • 1/4 cup nuts, chopped
    • 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
    • 2 tbsp parsley, chopped

    Instructions 

    • Add cream cheese, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, scallions and garlic powder to a stand mixer with the paddle attachment.
      Mix on medium speed until everything is combined.
    • Fold in the cheddar cheese by hand.
    • Portion into tablespoon size balls.
    • Add the cranberries, green onions and parsley and nuts to three separate shallow bowls.
    • Dip each cheese ball into one of the desired toppings and roll around to coat the cheese ball.
      Then roll the cheese ball between your hands (this will get the toppings to stick)
    • Place in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
      Serve as is or with a pretzel stick in them!

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 111kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 136mgPotassium: 58mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 448IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 92mgIron: 0.2mg
    Mini Cheese Balls with pretzels on a white plate.

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