It’s officially holiday season, which means all the friendsgiving meals, cocktail parties and family get togethers. Which means allllllll the apps. Appetizers are definitely my favorite part of a party.
I made these mini cheese balls that are perfect for entertaining. They also kind of look like Christmas ornaments so there’s that. I did two variations: classic cheddar and bacon with a pecan bacon topping, and goat cheese, cranberry and pistachio. I prefer serving with crackers, but you can also serve with a pretzel stick in the cheese balls for a one-handed app!
Bacon Cheddar Mini Cheese Balls
Ingredients
- 1 block cream cheese
- 1 cup cheddar
- two green onions, diced
- 1/3 + 1/2 cup chopped pecans (separated)
- 1/4 + 1/3 cup bacon bits (separated)
Directions
- Add cream cheese, cheddar, diced green onion, 1/3 cup chopped pecans, and 1/4 cup bacon bits to a bowl and use a spatula to thoroughly combine, then place mixture in fridge
- Add 1/2 cup pecans and 1/3 cup bacon bits to a food processor and pulse for approximately one minute until nuts are finely chopped, then pour nut mixture on a plate
- If you’re able to refrigerate cream cheese mixture for at least two hours, it will be easier to shape cheese balls, but not necessary
- Scoop about a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture and roll into a ball using your hands
- Roll ball in pecan and bacon mixture so that it is fully coated
- Repeat with remaining cream cheese mixture and refrigerate until you are ready to serve
Cranberry Pistachio Mini Cheese Balls
Ingredients
- 1/2 block cream cheese (4oz)
- 3oz goat cheese
- 1/3 + 1/3 cup chopped pistachios (separated)
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries, chopped
Directions
- Add cream cheese, goat cheese, 1/3 cup chopped pistachios, and 1/3 cup chopped dried cranberries to a bowl and use a spatula to thoroughly combine, then place mixture in fridge
- Add 1/3 cup pistachios to a food processor and pulse for approximately one minute until nuts are finely chopped, then pour nut mixture on a plate
- If you’re able to refrigerate cream cheese mixture for at least two hours, it will be easier to shape cheese balls, but not necessary
- Scoop about a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture and roll into a ball using your hands
- Roll ball in pistachio mixture so that it is fully coated
- Repeat with remaining cream cheese mixture and refrigerate until you are ready to serve
What is your favorite holiday appetizer? Share them in the comments below – I’m always looking for ideas! Hope y’all have a great week!
Biscuits & blessings,
Leels
Love the idea of individual cheese balls!
Thanks Lindsay!
I have never seen mini cheese balls! So cute and appropriate for ALL the holiday parties. Getting hungry looking at all the great apps you have pictured. A perfect holiday arrangement for parties! Thanks for sharing!
Of course, thanks for stopping by Courtney!
Nice! I would love to create a vegan version!
You’ll have to let me know!
These look delicious and so easy! You have given me a great idea to take to a Christmas party!! Thanks!
Of course, thanks for checking them out Haley!
Heck yeah!! This post has me drooling and is getting me excited for the upcoming Holiday parties!
I can’t wait!
I have never been to a party with individual cheese balls…. it’s happening this year! Great idea!
So fun for parties!
I’ll definitely be grabbing these recipes for our Friendsgiving next weekend! Who doesn’t love goat cheese and pears?!
Awesome hope you enjoy!
Girl, I’m going to need some of these shipped to Lou.
You got it 😉
You had me at cheese! And bite sized? Right up my alley. But these could be dangerous to have in my house, because I’d eat them all haha!
I know it’s hard to stop!
I could eat my body weight in the cranberry pistachio cheese balls!
Best flavor combo for the holidays!
These look super yummy! And I love that they are so simple to put together!
Thanks Sam!
I love this idea of cheese balls. They look so delicious! My whole family would love these.
Della
http://www.delladevoted.com
Both of these look so good – I don’t think you can go wrong with a cheese ball as an app!