Description
These Mini Cheese Balls are a delightful appetizer featuring a creamy blend of cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and savory seasonings, coated with a flavorful mix of chopped pecans, bacon, and fresh parsley. Each bite-sized ball is topped with a pretzel stick, making them perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 12 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar blend)
- 3 tbsp. mayonnaise
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
Coating
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- ¼ cup bacon bits or small bacon crumble pieces
- 2 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
Garnish
- 20 pretzel sticks
Instructions
- Mix the Cheese Base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar blend, mayonnaise, onion powder, and garlic powder. Fold the ingredients together for a couple of minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Chill the Mixture: Transfer the cheese mixture to the refrigerator and chill for 15-20 minutes to firm up, making it easier to roll into balls.
- Prepare Coating: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for placing the formed cheese balls. Finely chop the pecans, bacon bits, and fresh parsley. Mix them together in a shallow bowl for the coating.
- Form Cheese Balls: Once chilled, roll the cheese mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands or a 1-inch cookie scoop for uniform size.
- Coat the Balls: Roll each cheese ball in the pecan, bacon, and parsley mixture until evenly coated. Place the coated balls on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Insert Pretzel Sticks: Insert one pretzel stick into the center of each mini cheese ball to create a convenient handle.
- Final Chill: Cover the cheese balls with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container, then chill until ready to serve.
Notes
- Using a 1-inch cookie scoop helps to achieve evenly sized cheese balls for consistent presentation and cooking.
- You can prepare the cheese balls a day ahead; just keep them chilled and covered to preserve freshness.
- For a nut-free version, omit pecans and substitute with additional bacon or crushed pretzels for coating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese ball
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
