Here’s a perfect appetizer for parties, game day, or holiday platters: Mini Bacon Cheddar Cheese Balls — bite-sized, savory, creamy, and packed with smoky bacon and sharp cheddar. They’re easy to make and even easier to devour!
🧀🥓 Mini Bacon Cheddar Cheese Balls
Makes: ~20 mini cheese balls | Prep Time: 20 mins (plus chilling)
No baking required
🛒 Ingredients:
Cheese Ball Mixture:
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8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
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1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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3–4 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
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2 green onions, finely chopped
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½ tsp garlic powder
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¼ tsp black pepper
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Optional: 1–2 tsp Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce for kick
Coating:
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3 slices bacon, cooked and finely crumbled
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¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
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2 tbsp finely chopped parsley or chives
Optional for serving:
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Toothpicks or mini pretzel sticks
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Crackers or veggie sticks
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine:
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Cream cheese
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Shredded cheddar
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Bacon
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Green onions
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Garlic powder
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Black pepper
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Optional: Worcestershire or hot sauce
Mix until fully blended. You can use a hand mixer or just a spatula.
2. Chill the Mixture
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Cover and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes, until the mixture is firm enough to roll.
3. Roll into Mini Balls
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Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of mixture at a time and roll into small balls using your hands.
4. Prepare Coating
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In a shallow bowl or plate, mix:
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Crumbled bacon
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Chopped pecans (if using)
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Parsley or chives
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5. Coat the Cheese Balls
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Roll each ball in the coating mixture until fully covered.
6. Serve or Chill
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Insert toothpicks or mini pretzel sticks if desired.
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Serve immediately, or chill for up to 2 days until ready to serve.
🔁 Variations:
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Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the cheese mixture.
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Ranch-style: Mix in 1 tbsp dry ranch seasoning instead of garlic powder.
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No nuts? Just use more bacon and herbs for coating.
Would you like a larger party platter version, or a sweet cheese ball recipe for dessert too?
