Description
Delightful bite-sized cheese ball appetizers that blend creamy cheese and crunchy coatings, perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Assorted coatings (chopped pecans, crispy bacon bits, sweet dried cranberries, fresh herbs, everything bagel seasoning)
- Pretzel sticks (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Mix the cheeses: Combine cream cheese and cheddar in a bowl. Add paprika, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to firm up.
- Shape the bites: Scoop the mixture and roll into 1-inch balls.
- Coat the bites: Roll each ball in a coating of your choice and place on a tray.
- Set & Serve: Chill coated bites for at least 30 minutes before serving, optionally inserting a pretzel stick.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for a month.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Chilling and Rolling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: cheese balls, appetizers, party food, bite-sized, easy recipe
