Description

Delight your guests with these Mini Cheese Balls made three delicious ways, combining creamy cream cheese, tangy goat cheese, and sharp white cheddar. Each cheese ball is uniquely coated with dried cranberries and pistachios, chopped pecans, or crispy bacon and chives, offering a perfect blend of textures and flavors. These bite-sized appetizers are effortless to prepare and ideal for any gathering or party.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Base

8 ounces Cream Cheese
4 ounces Goat Cheese
4 ounces White Cheddar Cheese
1 teaspoon Honey
1 teaspoon Lemon Juice

Coatings and Mix-ins

1/4 cup Finely chopped dried cranberries
1/4 cup Finely chopped pistachios
1/4 cup Finely chopped pecans
5 slices Cooked bacon, finely chopped
3 tablespoons Finely chopped chives

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Instructions

Prepare the cheese mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, goat cheese, white cheddar cheese, honey, and lemon juice. Use a hand mixer or spoon to blend the ingredients until smooth and well incorporated.
Divide the mixture: Evenly divide the cheese mixture into three separate bowls. This will allow you to create three different flavor profiles for the cheese balls.
Shape the cheese balls: Roll the cheese mixture in each bowl into small bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. The mixture may be slightly soft, so refrigerate for 10 minutes if needed to firm up for easier rolling.
Coat the cheese balls: Roll each group of cheese balls in a different coating: one in the chopped dried cranberries and pistachios mixture, another in the chopped pecans, and the last one in bacon and chopped chives. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks well. Chill the cheese balls in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use full-fat cream cheese for creamier texture and better flavor.
These cheese balls can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
For a nut-free option, substitute nuts with seeds or omit and increase bacon and chives.
Serve with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetable sticks for a delightful appetizer.