Individual Cheese Balls
Perfect for parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, these Individual Cheese Balls are a bite-sized twist on the classic appetizer. Creamy and tangy, these portable treats blend smooth cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and a hint of garlic and parsley for an irresistible flavor. Each cheese ball is rolled in a variety of toppings—crushed nuts, fresh parsley, dried cranberries, or crunchy panko breadcrumbs—for customizable texture and presentation. Topped with a pretzel stick for easy serving and a touch of whimsy, these elegant yet effortless appetizers are ready to impress in just 20 minutes of prep time. Whether you're hosting a festive soiree or a casual get-together, these mini cheese balls are guaranteed crowd-pleasers!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 oz Cream cheese
- 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp Dried parsley
- 0.25 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Ground black pepper
- 0.5 cup Crushed nuts (e.g., pecans, almonds, or walnuts)
- 0.25 cup Chopped fresh parsley
- 0.25 cup Dried cranberries, finely chopped (optional)
- 0.25 cup Panko breadcrumbs (optional)
- 12 sticks Pretzel sticks (for serving)
Instructions
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend everything together until smooth and well combined.
Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the cheese mixture and roll each portion into a ball. Repeat until all the cheese mixture is used, placing the balls on a parchment-lined plate or tray.
Prepare the coatings by placing the crushed nuts, chopped parsley, dried cranberries, and panko breadcrumbs (if using) in separate shallow bowls.
Roll each cheese ball in your desired coating(s), pressing gently to ensure the toppings adhere. You can also mix and match multiple toppings on one ball for variety.
Once coated, arrange the cheese balls on a serving plate or tray.
Insert a pretzel stick into the center of each cheese ball for easy grabbing and a decorative touch.
Chill the cheese balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
Serve and enjoy these creamy, flavorful bites at your next gathering!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3208 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 161.5 g | 207% | |
| Saturated Fat | 73.9 g | 370% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 349 mg | 116% | |
| Sodium | 7637 mg | 332% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 359.6 g | 131% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.6 g | 81% | |
| Total Sugars | 53.2 g | ||
| Protein | 80.6 g | 161% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 1311 mg | 101% | |
| Iron | 20.8 mg | 116% | |
| Potassium | 1513 mg | 32% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
