These herb & walnut mini cheese balls are perfect for any gathering!
Packed with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, herbs and spices, they’re rolled in walnuts for the perfect crunch.
These mini cheese ball bites are sure to be a hit with guests!
Just like my Easy Garlic & Herb Cheese Dip these mini cheeseballs are the perfect appetizer when you need an impressive appetizer quickly. For new year’s eve, Christmas or even a super bowl party, this delicious bite-sized appetizer is sure to be a hit.
why you’ll love this mini cheese balls recipe
- They’re easy to make and can be whipped up in under 10 minutes!
- Easy to make ahead of time and store in the fridge until ready to enjoy.
- These mini cheese balls make a great party appetizer because they’re perfectly bite-sized.
- You can find all the simple ingredients you need for this recipe at your local grocery store.
- They’re a fun take on a classic appetizer!
ingredients needed to make these savory mini cheese balls
Cream cheese: a softened cream cheese at room temperature will mix best when making these mini cheese balls; this is the base of this recipe!
Cheddar cheese: shredded cheddar cheese is my favourite cheese to mix-in to make these cheese balls; I like to use an orange cheddar to help give the cheese ball some colour too
Spices: garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper give a savory flavor to the this mini cheese ball recipe
Walnuts: crunchy, finely chopped walnuts are a must to give texture to these mini cheese balls
Fresh herbs: a mix of minced fresh basil & parsley or just one of the herbs is a must for a bite of freshness in the small cheese balls
Parmesan cheese: shredded parmesan cheese is a nice touch with all of the other flavours
step by step process to make this mini cheese ball appetizer
Step 1: To a bowl add softened cream cheese, shredded cheese (cheddar and parmesan), 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup chopped herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Mix well to combine.
Step 2: Put the mixture in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up.
Step 3: Then scoop out 12-14 heaping tablespoons (about the size of a small cookie scoop) of the cheese mixture. Form each heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into a cheese ball with your hands (wet your hands a bit when rolling if the mixture is sticking too much).
Step 4: Spread the remaining chopped walnuts on a plate and roll balls in the walnuts. Place on a plate or serving tray and let set in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. Or store in the fridge in an airtight container lined with parchment paper until ready to serve later. (Make these up to one day in advance and take out 1/2 hour before serving).
Step 5: Serve with your favourite crackers, pita chips or pretzels and enjoy!
expert tips to make this easy party appetizer
- If you don’t have time to soften the cream cheese, use a couple tablespoons of warm milk to help make it a an easier consistency to mix. Alternatively, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the cream cheese into a more workable texture.
- Make these an even more fun appetizer by inserting pretzel sticks or crackers in the center of the mini cheese balls; this makes it even easier for guests to pickup from the platter!
- You can even serve these mini cheese balls with vegetables too.
common questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
YES. If making them for a holiday party or get-together I’d recommend making only one day ahead so they have the most fresh flavours when serving. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Are there any other cheeses I can use in this appetizer?
YES! You could substitute the cheddar cheese with an old cheddar, white cheddar or sharp cheddar cheese, gruyere cheese or even pepper jack cheese.
Can I substitute the fresh herbs?
If parsley or basil aren’t your favourite, you could try substituting with minced chives or green onions.
Would bacon bits work in this recipe too?
There are a lot of classic large cheese ball recipes that include bacon bits. You could add a 1/4 cup bacon bits to this recipe but I would decrease the salt to 1/4 tsp or none at all since the bacon will add saltiness to the cheeseball.
Is there a substitute for walnuts?
Different coatings that can be used instead of walnuts are chopped almonds, pecans or toasted breadcrumbs.
storage
These mini cheese balls can be store for up to a week in the fridge in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap; however, if making them for a party I’d recommend making only one day ahead so they have the most fresh flavours when serving.
more easy appetizers to love from the blog
Easy Pear & Goat Cheese Crostini Appetizer with Honey
Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie (holiday appetizer)
Easy and Quick Holiday Brie Crostini Appetizers
Easy Herb & Walnut Mini Cheese Balls Appetizer
Ingredients
- 250 g softened plain cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts, divided
- 1/4 cup fresh mixed herbs (minced parsley & basil)
Instructions
- To a bowl add softened cream cheese, shredded cheese (cheddar and parmesan), 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup chopped herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Put the mixture in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up.
- Then scoop out 12-14 heaping tablespoons (about the size of a small cookie scoop) of the cheese mixture. Form each heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into a cheese ball with your hands (wet your hands a bit when rolling if the mixture is sticking too much).
- Spread the remaining chopped walnuts on a plate and roll balls in the walnuts. Place on a plate or serving tray and let set in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. Or store in the fridge in an airtight container lined with parchment paper until ready to serve later. (Make these up to one day in advance and take out 1/2 hour before serving).
- Serve with your favourite crackers, pita chips or pretzels and enjoy!
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