Bacon Cheddar Mini Cheese Balls

Here’s a delicious and easy Bacon Cheddar Mini Cheese Balls recipe — perfect for parties, snacks, or appetizers!

🧀 Bacon Cheddar Mini Cheese Balls

Ingredients (Makes about 24 mini balls)

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded

• 4 slices bacon, cooked and finely crumbled

• 2 tbsp green onions, finely chopped (green part only)

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or crushed pretzels (for coating)

• Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for coating)

• Pretzel sticks or toothpicks (for serving)

Instructions

1. Mix the cheese base
   In a medium bowl, combine:

   • Softened cream cheese

   • Shredded cheddar

   • 2/3 of the crumbled bacon

   • Green onions

   • Garlic powder, pepper, and paprika
     Mix until fully blended.

2. Chill the mixture
   Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

3. Shape into mini balls
   Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using a small cookie scoop or your hands.

4. Coat the cheese balls
   In a shallow bowl, combine the remaining bacon with chopped pecans and/or parsley. Roll each cheese ball in the coating to fully cover.

5. Add pretzel sticks
   Insert a pretzel stick or toothpick into each ball for easy serving.

6. Chill again (optional)
   For firmer texture, chill the finished cheese balls for another 15–30 minutes before serving.

✅ Tips

• Can be made a day ahead — just add pretzels right before serving to keep them crisp.

• Substitute with turkey bacon or use nuts only for a vegetarian version.