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!
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.
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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.
- Scoop cheese balls. Portion into tablespoon size balls.
- Separate the toppings. Add the cranberries, green onions and parsley and nuts to three separate shallow bowls.
- 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.)
- Chill and serve. Place in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Serve as is or with a pretzel stick in them!
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.
more holiday appetizers to try!
- Mushroom Tart
- Greek Hummus Phyllo Bites
- Cream Cheese Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
- Christmas Antipasto Wreath
- Caramelized Onion Dip
Mini Cheese Balls
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 scallions, sliced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
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
Did you make this?
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E
Will a hand held mixer sufficiently mix this recipe?
Kelley Simmons
Hi!
Yes a stand mixer would work as well!
Thanks and enjoy!
Kelley