Description
These Mini Cheese Balls are a delightful, bite-sized appetizer combining creamy cheese, crunchy pecans, savory bacon, and a touch of sweetness from dried cranberries. Perfectly seasoned and rolled into easy-to-eat balls, they make a crowd-pleasing snack or party treat, especially when served with pretzel stick handles for a fun presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Nut Coating
- ½ cup pecans (more as needed)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- ¾ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 green onion (finely minced)
- ¾ cup finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup dried cranberries (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup bacon bits
Garnish
- 22 pretzel sticks (optional)
Instructions
- Toast Pecans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecans evenly on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven until they become aromatic, usually about 5-7 minutes. Remove and let cool completely before finely chopping.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy. Add in the sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and finely minced green onion. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined.
- Add Additional Ingredients: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, chopped dried cranberries, and bacon bits into the cream cheese mixture. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours to let the flavors meld.
- Shape Cheese Balls: Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the mixture into 22 equal parts. Roll each portion gently between clean hands to form smooth, bite-sized balls.
- Coat Cheese Balls: On a separate small plate, mix together the finely chopped toasted pecans and chopped fresh parsley. Roll each cheese ball in this coating mixture, pressing gently so it adheres well. If desired, insert a pretzel stick into each cheese ball for easy handling and presentation.
- Chill Before Serving: Place the finished cheese balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up. For optimal flavor and texture, remove them from the fridge about 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- To toast pecans evenly, stir them once or twice while baking.
- Allowing the cheese balls to chill overnight will enhance the flavor and make them easier to shape.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecan coating and substitute with finely chopped herbs or crushed crackers.
- These cheese balls can be prepared a day in advance and kept refrigerated in an airtight container.
- Serve with additional fresh vegetables, crackers, or bread alongside the pretzel sticks for variety.
