Description
Classic Cheese Ball Bites deliver a nostalgic party appetizer packed with creamy cheddar, crisp herbs, and crunchy pecans. Guests will savor these bite-sized morsels that bring retro charm to modern gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (100 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup (30 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds), chopped
- ¼ cup bacon, crumbled
- ¼ cup everything bagel seasoning
- Mini pretzel sticks or toothpicks (optional)
Instructions
- Mixture Preparation: Combine cream cheese, cheddar, and Parmesan in a large mixing bowl. Incorporate garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and green onions, blending until smooth and well-integrated.
- Flavor Development: Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes to solidify and concentrate flavors, making it easier to shape and handle.
- Coating Station: Set up coating options including finely chopped parsley, crushed nuts, crumbled bacon, and everything bagel seasoning in separate shallow dishes.
- Forming and Coating: Use a small cookie scoop to create uniform cheese portions. Roll each scoop between palms into smooth spheres, then immediately coat by rolling in desired topping, ensuring complete coverage.
- Presentation: Garnish each cheese bite with a pretzel stick or toothpick for elegant serving. Arrange on a chilled platter, creating an inviting appetizer display that promises rich, complex flavor and appealing texture.
Notes
- Chill for Consistency: Refrigerate the cheese mixture for at least 30 minutes to ensure firmer texture and easier shaping, preventing crumbly or sticky cheese balls.
- Coat with Care: Roll cheese balls gently in coatings to achieve even, complete coverage, pressing lightly to help toppings adhere without damaging the delicate cheese surface.
- Size Matters: Use a small cookie scoop for uniform size, creating bite-sized portions that are visually appealing and easy to eat in one mouthful.
- Flavor Flexibility: Experiment with different coatings like crushed nuts, herbs, or spices to customize the cheese bites for various dietary preferences or taste profiles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg