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Mini Bacon and Cheese Balls

These Mini Bacon and Cheese Balls are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that balance creamy, savory cheese with smoky bacon and a crunchy, nutty coating. Perfect for game day or any party, they can be served cold with pretzel sticks or warmed up with crackers. The recipe is versatile, allowing you to experiment with different coatings and flavor variations.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cheese Ball Mixture
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cooked and finely crumbled bacon divided – use half in the mixture and reserve half for coating
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives plus extra for coating
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Coating
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans optional
  • Remaining from 1/2 cup bacon crumbled bacon and extra chopped chives for coating
  • Mini pretzel sticks or toothpicks for serving

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Small cookie scoop (optional)
  • Shallow bowl
  • Parchment-lined tray
  • Refrigerator

Method
 

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the 8 oz of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until smooth and well blended.
  2. Add half of the crumbled bacon (from the 1/2 cup), 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir until the mixture is cohesive.
  3. Using a small cookie scoop or about 1 tablespoon of the mixture, roll between your palms to form neat little balls.
  4. In a shallow bowl, combine the reserved bacon, extra chopped chives, and 1/4 cup chopped pecans (if using). Roll each cheese ball in this coating mixture until evenly covered.
  5. Place the coated cheese balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up.
  6. Just before serving, insert mini pretzel sticks or toothpicks into each ball for an easy grab-and-go appetizer.

Notes

For best results, allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting. These mini bacon and cheese balls can be made a few hours in advance, and the chilling step is essential for them to hold their shape. The recipe is highly adaptable—feel free to experiment with different cheeses, nuts, or even herbs to suit your taste. Serve with crisp veggies, fruit slices, or a tangy dipping sauce for a delightful appetizer spread.