Mini Cheese Balls: Two Ways #SundaySupper

Personal-sized Cranberry-Pistachio Cheese Balls and Everything Bagel Cheese Balls are hugely flavorful and easy to make (and make ahead!). These mini cheeseballs are hits for entertaining, especially around the holidays.

Mini Cheese Balls

I love entertaining. I love having friends and family over, any time of year, any occasion – whether it’s a holiday or simply a Sunday. When people ask what they can bring, I usually tell them their appetite and a smile.

But as much as I love to entertain, making new recipes and old favorites, I recognize that entertaining can be a lot of work. Now with two kids under the age of three, I feel that more than ever. Over the past several months, I’ve been trying to simplify what I make – keeping the flavor but eliminating some of the time in the kitchen. I make whatever I can ahead so that I can enjoy my time with my family and friends.

These mini-cheese balls quickly became a hit in my house, and a line on my upcoming holiday menus. They’re easy and quick to throw together and can be combined well in advance. The spread has a slight heat from the addition of the cayenne, but being able to customize the coating to our tastes really made this a winner. Last time I made them, I went with a combination of salty-sweet with the pistachios and cranberries, and savory, mimicking an everything bagel. But the combinations are endless.

Check out the recipes at the end of this post, compliments of the Sunday Supper tastemakers, for more easy entertaining ideas. And please, leave a comment with your favorite easy holiday entertaining recipe!

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Personal-sized Cranberry-Pistachio Cheese Balls and Everything Bagel Cheese Balls are hugely flavorful and easy to make (and make ahead!). These mini cheeseballs are hits for entertaining, especially around the holidays.

Mini Cheese Balls: Cranberry-Pistachio and "Everything"

Personal-sized Cranberry-Pistachio Cheese Balls and Everything Bagel Cheese Balls are hugely flavorful and easy to make (and make ahead!). These mini cheeseballs are hits for entertaining, especially around the holidays.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 24 Mini Cheeseballs
Author Liz

Ingredients

Ingredients for the Cheese Balls:

  • 4 oz. sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1/2 a bunch of chives chopped finely
  • 8 oz. cream cheese softened
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Ingredients for the Cranberry-Pistachio Coating:

  • 2 Tbs. dried cranberries roughly chopped
  • 3 Tbs. shelled pistachios roughly chopped

Ingredients for the "Everything" Coating:

  • 2 tsp. poppy seeds
  • 2 tsp. sesame seeds toasted, if desired
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 tsp. onion flakes

Instructions

  1. Mix coatings in small dishes. Set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients for the cheese balls. Use a mixer to thoroughly combine, if needed. Use a small cookie scoop (mine is a 2-tsp. cookie scoop) to portion out cheese mixture. Roll in prepared toppings and set on a serving dish.
  3. Serve at room temperature with your choice of crackers.

Recipe Notes

I used a ratio of 1:1.5, cranberries-pistachios, for the coating. The above quantities are based on a 1/2 batch of cheese balls with this coating.

I used a ration of 1:.5 for the Everything coating - half the salt and onion. The above quantities are based on a 1/2 batch of cheese balls with this coating.

Make Ahead: Cheeseballs can be made and stored in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days.

Base recipe adapted from Sweet and Savory, coating by Books n’ Cooks

Mini Cheese Balls - Two Ways

 

Check out more easy, stress-free entertaining ideas from the Sunday Supper tastemakers.

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15 thoughts on “Mini Cheese Balls: Two Ways #SundaySupper”

  1. I’ve never made a cheese ball before but love the idea of mini ones. Either way, you’ve put the idea in my head and am making my first this Thanksgiving 🙂

  2. These look like the perfect thing for any appetizer tray. I am going to try them for sure! I would think that they would be easy to make ahead of time as well. Thanks for the great ideas!

    1. Oh they’re so easy! I don’t make them often, but they’re a hit when I do! Everyone is always impressed, but really, you’re tossing a few things in a mixer and then rolling it in a topping. Easy peasy 🙂

  3. Before a few months ago, I had never tried an everything bagel. I got a coupon to get some for free, and now I’m hooked! I can’t wait to make these cheese balls!

    1. You have been missing out! I’m glad you finally discovered the wonderfulness of an everything bagel (lol can you tell it’s my favorite?). Enjoy the cheese balls!

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