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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.
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5 from 2 votes

Mini Cheese Balls

How to make savory and sweet mini cheese balls for a perfect appetizer. How to make a cheese ball shaped Christmas tree and a cheese ball shaped wreath.
Prep Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cheese ball, cheese balls, christmas tree cheese ball, mini cheese balls, wreath cheese ball
Servings: 16
Author: Modern Honey® - www.modernhoney.com

Ingredients

Classic Cheddar and Herb:

  • (1) 8-ounce pkg. Cream Cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
  • 1/2 cup Pecans (plus more for rolling)
  • 1-2 Tablespoons Fresh Chives (minced)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • Roll into chopped pecans

Cranberry Goat Cheese:

  • (1) 8-ounce pkg. Cream Cheese (softened)
  • 4 ounces Cranberry Goat Cheese or Goat Cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons Honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries (this is for rolling)
  • 1/4 cup Pecans (this is for rolling)

Bacon Cheddar Ranch:

  • (1) 8-ounce pkg. Cream Cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese
  • 4 slices Crispy Bacon (only add 2 slices and use the other 2 for rolling into)
  • 1 Green Onion (finely diced)
  • 1/2 Jalapeno (finely diced)
  • 1 Tablespoon Dried Ranch Powder

Pistachio Cranberry:

  • (1) 8-ounce pkg. Cream Cheese (softened)
  • 1 Tablespoon Honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries (add 1/4 of the cranberries in mixture and keep 1/4 cup for rolling)
  • 1/2 cup Pistachios (chopped, add 1/4 of the pistachios in mixture and keep 1/4 cup for rolling)

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough:

  • (1) 8-ounce pkg. Cream Cheese (softened)
  • 4 Tablespoons Butter (softened)
  • 1/3 cup Brown Sugar
  • 3/4 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 1/2 cups Mini Chocolate Chips (add 3/4 cup to the mixture and keep out 3/4 cup for rolling)
  • 1/2 cup Milk Chocolate Toffee Bits (optional)

Boursin Cheese Ball:

  • 4 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
  • 1 pkg. Boursin Cheese (Garlic and Herb)
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
  • 1 Tablespoon Chives (optional)
  • 1/2 cup Pecans (chopped, plus more for rolling)

Pomegranate Cheese Ball:

  • (1) 8-ounce pkg. Cream Cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup White Cheddar (shredded)
  • 2 Tablespoons Honey
  • 1/2 Green Onion (diced)
  • 3/4 cup Pomegranate Seeds (for rolling)

Apricot White Chocolate:

  • (1) 8-ounce pkg. Cream Cheese (softened)
  • 2 Tablespoons Butter (softened)
  • 1/3 cup Brown Sugar
  • 3/4 cup Dried Apricots (chopped, stir in 1/4 cup, and leave out 1/2 cup for rolling)
  • 1/2 cup White Chocolate Chips (for rolling)

Instructions

  • Mix: In a bowl, whip the cream cheese for 2-3 minutes or until it is creamy. If using goat cheese, add it and mix for 1-2 minutes longer. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until smooth.
  • Chill: Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
  • Shape: Scoop out 1-tablespoon portions and roll into balls
  • Coat: Roll in your choice of toppings.
  • Chill Again: Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Serve with crackers.

Notes

See the blog post for more detailed tips and answers to frequently asked questions. To make the cheese ball Christmas tree or cheese ball wreath, see the blog post for instructions.