Ah, bacon cheddar mini cheese balls! Those are perfect bite-sized appetizers—cheesy, savory, and a little crunchy on the outside. Here’s a simple, crowd-pleasing recipe:
Ingredients (makes ~24 mini cheese balls)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 6–8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup crushed crackers or crushed nuts (like pecans) for coating
Instructions
- Mix the Cheese Ball Base:
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon (reserve a little for rolling if you want), green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Form Mini Cheese Balls:
- Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop out small portions and roll them into 1-inch balls.
- Coat the Cheese Balls:
- Roll each ball in crushed crackers, crushed nuts, or a mix of both for a crunchy exterior.
- Optionally, sprinkle some reserved bacon bits on top for extra flavor.
- Chill:
- Place the cheese balls on a tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Serve:
- Arrange on a platter and serve cold or at room temperature.
- Great with toothpicks for easy picking!
Tips & Variations:
- Add a little hot sauce or smoked paprika for a spicy kick.
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack or gouda for a different flavor.
- Make mini versions for parties or larger ones for slicing like a traditional cheese log.
If you want, I can give you a “super-lazy 5-minute version” where you don’t even have to roll them by hand—perfect for last-minute parties.
Do you want me to do that?
