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Mini Cheese Balls Recipe: Easy Party Appetizer with Herb, Pecan, and Bacon

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These mini cheese balls are a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring a creamy cheese base rolled in a trio of coatings: fresh herbs, toasted pecans, and crispy bacon. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or snacking, they’re endlessly customizable and easy to make ahead.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
  • 2 oz goat cheese or blue cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh herbs, finely chopped (parsley, chives, dill, or a mix)
  • 1/3 cup pecans, toasted and finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup cooked bacon, finely crumbled
  • Optional: dried cranberries, cracked black pepper, smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes until softened.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and optional goat or blue cheese. Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth and uniform, about 2–3 minutes.
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) to firm up the mixture.
  4. Prepare coatings in separate shallow bowls: herbs, toasted pecans, and crumbled bacon. Optional: add dried cranberries, cracked pepper, or smoked paprika to taste.
  5. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of cheese mixture and roll between your palms to form a ball. Repeat until all mixture is used (about 18–20 balls).
  6. Roll each cheese ball in your chosen coating, pressing lightly so it sticks. Alternate coatings for variety.
  7. Place coated cheese balls on a parchment-lined plate or tray. Chill for at least 20 minutes before serving.
  8. Serve with pretzel sticks, crackers, or fresh veggies for dipping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Notes

For best results, chill the cheese mixture before rolling. Toast nuts for extra flavor. Use a cookie scoop for uniform size. Make ahead by preparing the cheese mixture up to 2 days in advance and rolling in coatings just before serving. Easily adapt for dietary needs by swapping cheeses or coatings.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheese balls, party appetizer, mini cheese balls, herb cheese balls, bacon cheese balls, pecan cheese balls, easy appetizer, make ahead, gluten free, holiday snack

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/mini-cheese-balls-recipe-easy-party-appetizer-with-herb-pecan-and-bacon/