The Easiest Mini Cheese Ball Bite Size Appetizers

You won’t believe how simple and delicious this recipe is!! These are the easiest mini cheese ball bite size appetizers you have ever had.

A girlfriend shared this recipe with me over 30 years ago.

It became my favorite appetizer recipe to serve at my own gatherings or to take to a party.

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This is the only cheese ball recipe that I have ever tried that is mild and a creamy texture instead of a sharp cheddar cheese flavor.

For years I made it as one large cheese ball, but a few years ago I decided to try it as mini cheese balls.

It takes a bit more time, but they make the cutest bite size appetizers and will definitely be a crowd pleaser.

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A couple of years ago, I was creating a clock themed snack board for a New Year’s Eve party and wanted something savory to border my clock design.

I remembered this cheese ball and thought it would be perfect.

mini cheese balls – ingredients

2 – 8 ounce packages cream cheese (softened)
1 package Good Seasons Italian dressing mix
1 small jar pimentos (drained)
2 tablespoons sour cream
chopped walnuts or chopped pecans

directions for the easiest mini cheese ball bite size appetizers

Mix softened cream cheese, Italian dressing mix, sour cream and pimentos together in a large bowl.

You can mix them by hand, with a hand mixer or a stand mixer. This is totally up to you.

Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop some of the cream cheese mixture and roll into a 1 1/2 inch ball using your hands.

Place chopped walnuts or pecans on a large sheet of waxed paper or parchment paper and roll mini balls in the chopped nut mixture.

Tip: This is much easier to mix if you let the cream cheese get to room temperature, then refrigerate it for a few minutes before rolling into balls. The chilled cream cheese will make it easy to roll the mini cheeseballs in the nut mixture.

Be sure and print this mini cheese ball recipe to save for later.

serving ideas for mini cheese ball bites

These cute little appetizer bites are a perfect addition to any charcuterie or snack board.

Or, serve them alone with a cute decorative pick.

You can also use a pretzel stick in place of a pick.

Place the cheese ball on a serving tray with crackers, pita chips, or tortilla chips.

variations for mini cheeseball bites

If you want to change it up you can also roll the cheese balls in….

bacon bits
chopped dried cranberries
chopped pistachios

It would make a great appetizer platter to roll balls in some of each of these mentioned above as well as some of them in the chopped walnuts or pecans.

The variety of flavors and colors would make a great presentation.

Or mix some of the different toppings, like chopped dried cranberries and chopped pistachios.

This would be so fun and festive for the holiday season.

The best part about this recipe is not only the flavor variations, you can also make these in small balls or make 1 large cheese ball.

frequently asked questions

How long will a cheese ball stay good in the refrigerator?
The best way is to store the cheese balls in an airtight container. They will last in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks.

Can you freeze a cheese ball?
Yes, you can freeze the cheese balls for up to 4 weeks. Cover them in plastic wrap and place inside a freezer safe ziploc bag, then place in the freezer.

Can you make the cheese balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese balls the day before and store in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.

I prefer to refrigerate them before rolling in the nuts, so they stay really fresh. If I prepare them the day before, I store in the fridge, then roll in the nuts right before I want to serve them.

I don’t know about you, but this time of year I need easy appetizers to take to holiday parties or to serve to last minute guests.

This mini cheese ball appetizer is so simple to make and is sure to be a huge hit!

It would be a delicious bite-sized appetizer for any party regardless of the time of year, and also the perfect appetizer for a game day.

I hope you enjoyed this recipe for the easiest mini cheese ball bite size appetizers. I would love to hear if you try them.

blessings and happy holidays,

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If you liked this appetizer recipe you might also like….

this Easy Italian Bruschetta Appetizer…

and these Roasted Rosemary Cashews…