Mini Cheese Balls

Mini Cheese Balls are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer—bite-sized, creamy, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re hosting a party, creating a stunning charcuterie board, or need a quick snack for guests, these cheese ball bites will be a hit! With options ranging from savory herbs and spices to sweet fruity toppings, there are so many combinations to try. I am also sharing how to make a cheese ball Christmas tree and cheese ball Christmas wreath for a holiday appetizer idea.

I love this time of year! Between of all of the Christmas Baking to the entertaining to spending time with family and friends, I just love it all so much. I am always trying to think of creative appetizers that are not only beautiful but delicious as well.

I love to create appetizer boards from creating the best charcuterie board to a butter board and even a chocolate dessert board. So now it is time to create a mini cheese ball board!

Since I am focusing on the holidays, I thought it would be fun to create different shaped boards from a Cheese Ball Christmas Tree to a Cheese Ball Wreath and everything in between.

What Are Mini Cheese Balls?

Mini cheese balls are small, individually-sized versions of the classic cheese ball. They are typically made from a base of cream cheese and other cheeses, flavored with herbs, spices, or sweet ingredients, and then rolled in various coatings for texture and flavor.

I shared 3 Cheese Ball Recipes already on Modern Honey but wanted to show you how you can make a mini version of cheese balls for individual servings.

Why You Will Love Mini Cheese Balls:

• They are customizable: Adjust the flavors and toppings to fit your tastes or the occasion. I will share different recipes and topping ideas — both savory and sweet.
• Mini Cheese Ball Bites are elegant yet easy: They look fancy but take minimal effort to prepare. We love an easy appetizer recipe!
• Perfect to serve at parties: Individual portions make them convenient and mess-free.

Ingredients for Mini Cheese Balls:

I am sharing all types of savory and sweet cheese ball combinations below (look for cheese ball combination ideas). There are so many cheese ball variations!

Cheese Base:

• Cream cheese (softened), Goat Cheese, Cranberry Goat Cheese, or Boursin Cheese. These creamy cheeses act as the base for the cheese ball recipes.
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, gouda, parmesan, or creamy boursin cheese): Adds depth and flavor.

Flavor Add-Ins:

• Garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika for savory options.
• Honey, cinnamon, brown sugar, or dried fruit for sweet options. Dried fruits such as dried cranberries, dried cherries, dried apricots, etc add sweetness. For an extra sweet cheese ball, add mini chocolate chips and toffee bits.
• Nuts like pecans, pistachios, walnuts, and almonds add crunch.
• Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, green onions, or dill for added freshness.

How to Make Mini Cheese Balls:

1. Mix the Base:
   In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese and shredded cheese. Add any desired seasonings or mix-ins. Chill the mixture for 30 minutes to firm up.
2. Shape the Balls:
   Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion the cheese mixture and roll into balls.
3. Add Toppings:
   Roll the cheese balls in your chosen coatings (see below for ideas). Press gently to adhere.
4. Chill Before Serving:
   Place the coated cheese balls on a tray and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Mini Cheese Ball Combination Ideas:

Classic Cheddar & Herb: Cream cheese, sharp cheddar, garlic powder, and parsley rolled in chives and pecans.

Spicy Jalapeño: Cream cheese, pepper jack cheese, diced jalapeños, and smoked paprika rolled in crushed tortilla chips.

Sweet Cranberry Almond: Cream cheese, honey, dried cranberries, and cinnamon rolled in crushed almonds.

Savory Boursin Cheese Ball: Cream cheese, Boursin cheese, cheddar cheese, pecans, parsley.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough: Cream cheese, brown sugar, powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, mini chocolate chips, and optional toffee bits.

Pistachio Cranberry: Cream cheese, honey, cinnamon, cranberries, pistachios and rolled into pistachios and dried cranberries and drizzled with honey.

Cranberry Goat Cheese: Cream cheese, cranberry cinnamon goat cheese, honey and rolled into pecans and cranberries.

Pomegranate Cheese Ball: Cream cheese, white cheddar, green onions, honey, and rolled into fresh pomegranate seeds.

Bacon Cheddar Ranch: Cream cheese, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, dried ranch dressing seasoning, and rolled into bacon and green onions.

Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake: Cream cheese, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and rolled into cinnamon sugar and crushed graham crackers.

Tropical Coconut and Pineapple: Cream cheese, crushed pineapple, brown sugar, vanilla and rolled into sweetened flaked coconut.

Honey Almond: Cream cheese, honey, almonds and rolled into sliced almonds.

Apricot White Chocolate: Cream cheese, brown sugar, vanilla, dried apricots, and rolled into chopped dried apricots and white chocolate chips. May also roll into pomegrante seeds.

How to Make a Christmas Tree Shape with Mini Cheese Balls:

Creating festive shapes like a Christmas tree or a wreath with mini cheese balls is a fun and impressive way to elevate your holiday appetizer spread. Here’s how to craft each:

What You’ll Need

• 30-40 mini cheese balls (sweet or savory, depending on which recipes you use). I used 36 cheese balls.
• Fresh herb like rosemary (for garnish)
• A star-shaped cheese slice (for the topper)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base: On a large serving tray or cutting board, arrange your garnishes (like a scattering of fresh parsley or rosemary) to create a “greenery” base for the tree. I used a large round wooden board.
2. Shape the Tree: Start at the top with one cheese ball. Add rows of cheese balls below, increasing the number in each row as you move downward to form a triangular tree shape. For example:
   • Row 1: 1 cheese ball
   • Row 2: 2 cheese balls
   • Row 3: 3 cheese balls, and so on, until you have 7-8 rows. I had 8 rows, then 7, then 6, then 5, then 4, then 3, then 2, then 1 and needed 36 cheese balls to make the tree.
3. Add the Topper: Place a star-shaped cracker or a cut-out piece of cheese at the top of the tree.
4. Garnish the Base: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or crackers around the base to make it festive. I like to use a flat type cracker like La Panzanella Croccantini crackers and a fruit and nut cracker like raincoast crisps.

How to Make a Christmas Wreath with Mini Cheese Balls:

What You’ll Need:

• 30-50 mini cheese balls. I used 36 balls but you can use more if you want to make a larger wreath.
• Fresh rosemary (for the greenery)
• Pomegranate seeds (for decoration)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Platter: Use a round serving platter or cutting board to start.
2. Place the Cheese Balls: Arrange the mini cheese balls in two circles leaving the center of the platter empty to maintain the wreath shape. Add a second layer of cheese balls on top.
3. Decorate: Sprinkle pomegranate seeds (optional) and place rosemary around the board for a natural look.
4. Serve with Dippers: Arrange crackers, breadsticks, or vegetables around the wreath.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I make mini cheese balls ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the cheese balls up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

2. Can I freeze mini cheese balls?

You can freeze the uncoated cheese balls for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge, then roll in toppings before serving.

3. What cheeses work best for mini cheese balls?

Cream cheese is essential for the creamy base. Shredded cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or parmesan add flavor, while crumbled cheeses like blue cheese or feta work well for stronger tastes.

4. What can I serve with mini cheese balls?

Serve them with crackers, crostini, fresh vegetables, or fruit slices for variety. I love to use La Panzanella Croccantini crackers, raincoast crisps, or place a small pretzel rod in the center.

5. How do I make cheese balls firmer?

If your cheese mixture is too soft, chill it for longer or add extra shredded cheese to the base.

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