Description
An easy make-ahead appetizer or snack recipe, perfect for cheese lovers made 3 ways: Cranberry & Pecan, Bacon & Ranch, and Honey Sesame.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 ounces full-fat cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Emmentaler or Gruyere cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/3 cup chopped dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped bacon
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoon honey
- 1/3 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup pecans (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup crumbled bacon
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped chives
- 1/3 cup everything bagel seasoning (OR use a mixture of black and white sesame seeds)
- 30 small pretzel sticks (for serving)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheese, and lemon juice with a rubber spatula or with a hand mixer (if desired).
- Divide this mixture evenly between 3 bowls: one for cranberry pecan cheese balls, one for bacon ranch cheese balls, and one for honey sesame cheese balls.
- In the first bowl, add the chopped dried cranberries, chopped pecans, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- In the second bowl, add the ranch seasoning, Parmesan cheese, bacon, and chives.
- In the third bowl, add the Worcestershire sauce, honey, feta cheese, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Stir each mixture well to combine. Cover each mixture and refrigerate for about 2-3 hours or until firm enough to roll.
- Prepare a baking sheet or cutting board lined with parchment paper.
- Prepare the rolling ingredients in three small bowls: combine dried cranberries and pecans in one, bacon and chives in another, and everything bagel seasoning in the last.
- Scoop about one tablespoon of the chilled cranberry pecan mixture and roll it in your hands to form a ball. Roll the mini cheese ball in the chopped cranberries and pecans, and set on the prepared pan. Repeat with the other mini cheese balls until the mixture is gone (about 10 mini cheese balls for each flavor).
- Repeat this process with the other flavors, rolling the balls and dipping them in the correct coating.
- Chill the cheese balls in the fridge for about 2 more hours or overnight. Cover with plastic wrap if chilling for more than 2 hours.
- Before serving, place a pretzel stick into each mini cheese ball and serve on your favorite platter or cheese board.
Notes
- Chill the cheese balls for best flavor and texture.
- Use your favorite toppings for rolling.
- These can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cheese ball
- Calories: 162
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: cheese balls, appetizer, snacks, party food