Here’s a fun and flavorful party appetizer: Bacon Cheddar Mini Cheese Balls! They’re bite-sized, creamy, and packed with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and herbs — perfect for holidays, game day, or any gathering.
🧀🥓 Bacon Cheddar Mini Cheese Balls
🧾 Ingredients:
For the Cheese Mixture:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
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2 tbsp green onions, finely chopped
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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Salt & pepper, to taste
For Rolling/Coating:
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4 more slices bacon, finely chopped
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¼ cup pecans or almonds, finely chopped (optional)
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2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
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Extra cheddar or green onion (optional, for garnish)
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Pretzel sticks or toothpicks (for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions:
🔹 1. Make the Cheese Mixture:
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In a medium bowl, combine:
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Cream cheese
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Shredded cheddar
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4 slices of crumbled bacon
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Green onions
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Worcestershire sauce
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Garlic and onion powder
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Mix until smooth and well combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
🔹 2. Chill the Mixture:
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Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour, until firm enough to roll.
🔹 3. Roll into Mini Balls:
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Scoop out heaping teaspoons or use a small cookie scoop.
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Roll into 1-inch balls with your hands.
🔹 4. Coat the Cheese Balls:
In a shallow bowl or plate, mix together:
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Remaining bacon bits
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Chopped nuts (if using)
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Parsley
Roll each cheese ball in the mixture until evenly coated.
🔹 5. Serve:
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Stick a pretzel stick or toothpick into each for easy serving.
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Arrange on a platter and keep chilled until ready to serve.
🍽️ Serving Ideas:
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Great for charcuterie boards
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Serve with crackers, celery sticks, or sliced cucumbers
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Perfect make-ahead appetizer — just keep them chilled!
📝 Tips:
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Make ahead: Prep 1–2 days ahead and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
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Want it spicy? Add a pinch of cayenne, hot sauce, or minced jalapeños.
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Can be made into one large cheese ball if preferred.
Let me know if you’d like a sweet-savory version (like cranberry walnut), or one with different cheeses!
