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Here’s a crowd-pleasing, bite-sized appetizer: Bacon Cheddar Mini Cheese Balls! 🧀🥓 These creamy, cheesy, smoky little flavor bombs are perfect for parties, game day, or holiday platters — and they’re super easy to make ahead.
🧀 Bacon Cheddar Mini Cheese Balls
🕒 Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
❄️ Chill Time: 1 hour (or more)
🍴 Yields: ~20–24 mini cheese balls
📝 Ingredients
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (plus more for coating, if desired)
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2 green onions, finely chopped
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
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Salt & pepper, to taste
For Rolling/Coating:
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Extra crumbled bacon
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Chopped pecans or walnuts
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Chopped parsley or chives
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Optional: everything bagel seasoning
For Serving:
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Toothpicks, pretzel sticks, or mini crackers
👩🍳 Instructions
🔹 1. Mix the Cheese Base
In a mixing bowl, combine:
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Cream cheese
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Cheddar cheese
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Cooked bacon
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Green onions
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Seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire, salt, pepper)
Mix well until fully combined and creamy.
🔹 2. Chill the Mixture
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up (makes rolling easier).
🔹 3. Form Mini Cheese Balls
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Once chilled, use a small cookie scoop or spoon to scoop ~1 tablespoon of mixture.
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Roll into balls with clean hands.
🔹 4. Roll in Coating
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Roll each cheese ball in your choice of:
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More crumbled bacon
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Chopped nuts
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Chives or parsley
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Or a mix of all three for variety!
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🔹 5. Serve or Store
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Serve immediately with toothpicks or pretzel sticks, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
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Keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days (perfect make-ahead snack!).
🔁 Flavor Ideas
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Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick
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Mix in dried cranberries and roll in pecans for a festive twist
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Use smoked cheddar or gouda for extra depth
Would you like a sweet version (like dessert cheese balls) or a keto-friendly adaptation?