Description
Savory cheese ball bites bring classic party appetizers into convenient, poppable portions. Creamy cheeses, herbs, and crunchy nuts create irresistible finger-friendly treats perfect for sharing when you want crowd-pleasing snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (100 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup (30 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
- ¼ cup crumbled bacon
- ¼ cup everything bagel seasoning
- Mini pretzel sticks or toothpicks (optional)
Instructions
- Blend Creation: Combine cream cheese, cheddar, and Parmesan in a large mixing bowl, using a spatula to create a smooth, uniform texture that allows each cheese variety to harmonize.
- Seasoning Integration: Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper into the cheese mixture, stirring methodically to distribute flavors evenly and develop a robust taste profile.
- Herbal Enhancement: Incorporate finely chopped green onions, gently folding them through the cheese blend to introduce a delicate, fresh aromatic dimension.
- Flavor Melding: Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes, allowing ingredients to chill and solidify, which will facilitate easier shaping and help flavors meld together harmoniously.
- Portioning and Coating: Roll the chilled cheese mixture into small, uniform bite-sized spheres, then delicately roll each ball in a prepared coating of finely chopped nuts or herbs to create a textural exterior that complements the creamy interior.
- Serving Preparation: Transfer cheese bites to a serving platter, allowing them to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to optimize flavor and texture, ensuring a delightful appetizer experience.
Notes
- Chill for Cohesion: Refrigerate the cheese mixture for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor melding and improve texture for easier shaping.
- Balance Seasoning Carefully: Add garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper incrementally, tasting as you go to prevent overpowering the delicate cheese blend.
- Use Room Temperature Cheese: Allow cream cheese to soften before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free incorporation with other ingredients.
- Gentle Mixing Technique: Fold ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon with light, consistent strokes to maintain a creamy, uniform texture without overworking the mixture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg