Description
Bacon Cheddar Mini Cheese Balls are a quick and easy, three-ingredient appetizer made with sharp cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, and crispy bacon crumbles. Ready in just 5 minutes, these creamy, savory, bite-sized snacks are perfect for parties, holidays, game days, potlucks, and family gatherings. This low-carb, naturally gluten-free appetizer makes approximately 30 mini cheese balls.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups bacon crumbles
Instructions
- Microwave the bacon crumbles for about 30 seconds to crisp them up and refresh their flavor. Alternatively, skip this step or pan-fry the bacon crumbles for 1–2 minutes. Allow them to cool if necessary.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar until thoroughly combined.
- Use a small cookie scoop to portion the cheese mixture into tablespoon-sized portions.
- Gently roll each portion into a small ball using your hands.
- Roll each cheese ball in the bacon crumbles, pressing gently so the bacon sticks to the surface.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. The recipe makes approximately 30 mini cheese balls.
Notes
- Soften the cream cheese before mixing to make the cheese mixture easier to combine and shape.
- Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar for a rich flavor and smooth texture.
- For extra-crispy bacon, microwave the bacon crumbles for about 30 seconds or pan-fry them for 1–2 minutes.
- You can substitute other shredded cheeses for cheddar, including mozzarella, Monterey Jack, pepper Jack, Gouda, or Swiss.
- Cream cheese is essential to the original recipe, and there is no recommended dairy-free substitute.
- For a bacon-free variation, roll the cheese balls in finely chopped nuts.
- Add a little ranch seasoning for extra savory flavor or chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- For easy party serving, insert toothpicks or thin pieces of carrot or celery into the cheese balls.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 3–4 days.
- Keep the cheese balls refrigerated until serving. Do not leave perishable ingredients at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or more than 1 hour when temperatures exceed 90°F (32°C).
- Nutrition information is based on a serving of 3 mini cheese balls and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 mini cheese balls
- Calories: 192
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: Not provided
- Trans Fat: Not provided
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: Not provided
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 52 mg