With buttery caramelized onions, a variety of cheeses and crunchy almonds, these mini cheese balls are hard to resist.

If you like the flavours of french onion soup, you’re sure to love these mini cheese balls.

Just like my herb and walnut mini cheese balls, which is one of my favorite recipes for entertaining, these caramelized onion mini cheese balls are perfect for any gathering. They’re packed full of flavour and perfect as a bite-sized appetizer. The sweetness of the onion pairs so lovely with the saltiness and creaminess of the cheeses and crunch of the almonds.

why you’ll love these caramelized onion mini cheese balls

• Easy to make and then store in the fridge until ready to enjoy!
• They’re perfectly bite-sized making them the best small bites party appetizer.
• These are a fun take on a classic soup flavour making them a real crowd pleaser!
• All of the simple ingredients for this easy appetizer can be found at your local grocery store.
• They’re perfect appetizer bites that can be made ahead and served at a dinner party!

Ingredients needed to make these mini cheese balls

Onion: a sweet yellow onion is key to creating the flavorful sauce in this French onion chicken dinner recipe

Butter: butter is a must for getting the onions nice and caramelized

Balsamic vinegar:  I like to add a touch of balsamic vinegar to add a depth of flavour to the onions

Cheese: a combination of softened plain cream cheese, shredded Gruyere cheese and shredded parmesan cheese brings all the cheesy flavour to these caramelized onion mini cheese balls

Seasonings: a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt and pepper will season the mini cheese balls

Fresh herbs: fresh minced chives add a boost of flavour; I do not recommend substituting with dried chives

Almonds: finely chopped and toasted almonds provide a crunchy, nutty exterior to the mini cheese balls

How to make these caramelized onion mini cheese balls

Step 1: Make the caramelized onions: In a large oven-safe skillet, add the butter over medium heat. When the butter is melted, add the sliced yellow onions and 1 teaspoon salt and sugar. Stir to combine and cover and cook for 5 minutes, undisturbed. Then remove the lid and turn to medium-low heat. Cook onions, stirring occasionally (so they don’t burn), until deep golden brown and caramelized, about 20-30 minutes.

Step 2: To a bowl add softened cream cheese, shredded cheese (gruyere and parmesan), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper and fresh minced chives. Mix well to combine. Put the cheese 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 toasted chopped almonds on a plate and roll balls in the almonds. 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, baguette slices, pita chips, pretzels or wavy potato chips and enjoy!

Expert tips for making these caramelized onion mini cheese balls

• Make the balsamic caramelized onions one day ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Remove from the fridge and follow the rest of the instructions to make the mini cheese balls.
• 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 the bite-sized cheese balls from the platter!
• You can even serve these mini cheese balls with vegetables too and make a large ‘cheese plate’ to serve a bigger crowd.
• Make these mini cheese balls into one large cheese ball if desired! Once the base cheese mixture is mixed together, form the mixture into a ball. Roll the cheeseball in the toasted almonds and wrap in plastic wrap. Place the cheeseball into the fridge again for at least 15 minutes or until ready to serve (up to one day).

Common questions

Can I make these mini cheese balls 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.

Can I use another type of onion in this cheese ball recipe?
The type of onion matters – I do not recommend using white onions or red onions; they will not caramelize like yellow / sweet onions.

Are there any other cheeses I can use in this appetizer?
YES! You could substitute the Gruyere cheese with an old / sharp cheddar or white cheddar cheese.

Is there a substitute for almonds?
Different coatings that can be used instead of almonds are chopped walnuts, pecans or toasted breadcrumbs.

How to store these mini cheese balls

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 delicious cheesy recipes to make from the blog

Festive Holiday Cranberry Walnut Gouda Cheese Ball

Easy Burrata Bread Appetizer with Roasted Tomatoes

Cheesy Baked Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip

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Easy Caramelized Onion Mini Cheese Balls Appetizer

Make these Caramelized Onion Mini Cheese Balls for an easy appetizer any time of year! A savory & delicious bite-sized appetizer for a party.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword caramelized onion, cheese ball

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Resting time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Servings 12 -16 mini cheese balls

Author Jess

Ingredients

For the caramelized onions

• 1 large sweet or yellow onion, thinly sliced (about 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 cups of sliced onion)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar

For the mini cheese balls

• 250 g softened plain cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp ground pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh minced chives
• 3/4 cup toasted sliced almonds, finely chopped
• Serve with your favourite crackers, baguette slices, pita chips, pretzels or wavy potato chips

Instructions

• Make the caramelized onions: In a large oven-safe skillet, add the butter over medium heat. When the butter is melted, add the sliced yellow onions, salt and sugar. Stir to combine and cover and cook for 5 minutes, undisturbed. Then remove the lid and turn to medium-low heat. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally (so they don't burn), until deep golden brown and caramelized, about 10-20 minutes. Before taking off the heat, stir in the balsamic vinegar and stir until absorbed.

  Set the caramelized onions aside in a bowl to cool. Once fully cooled, chop the caramelized onions up into smaller pieces.
• Once the onions are fully cooled and chopped, make the cheese balls. To a bowl add softened cream cheese, shredded cheese (gruyere and parmesan), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper and fresh minced chives. 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 toasted chopped almonds on a plate and roll balls in the almonds. 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, bread, pita chips or pretzels and enjoy!

Notes

• Make the balsamic caramelized onions one day ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Remove from the fridge and follow the rest of the instructions to make the mini cheese balls.
• The type of onion matters - I do not recommend using white onions or red onions; they will not caramelize like yellow / sweet onions.
• You could substitute the Gruyere cheese with an old / sharp cheddar or white cheddar cheese.

The post Easy Caramelized Onion Mini Cheese Balls Appetizer appeared first on Cooking in my Genes.

Packed with cream cheese, white cheddar cheese, gouda, dried cranberries, chives and spices, it’s rolled in crunchy walnuts for the perfect bite.

This festive cheese ball is the perfect addition to any holiday table!

A classic cheese ball is the perfect holiday appetizer for any holiday gathering. I love to make these mini cheese balls but having this festive cranberry walnut cheese ball in your appetizer repertoire is a must!

This festive homemade cheese ball can be served on it’s own with your favourite crackers and garnished with sugared cranberries and fresh rosemary sprigs. Or, make it the centrepiece of a cheese board.

Why you’ll love this festive cranberry walnut cheese ball recipe

• This is an easy appetizer to make using simple ingredients!
• A perfect addition to your Christmas menu.
• Make the cranberry walnut cheese ball ahead of time, up to one day, then take it out before guests arrive.
• You don’t need a food processor or any fancy equipment, just a mixing bowl.

Ingredients needed to make this cheese ball

Cream cheese: you’ll need a block of plain cream cheese for the base of this cranberry cheese ball recipe

White cheddar cheese: I like to use a sharp or old white cheddar cheese

Gouda cheese: I like the gouda in this recipe, it pairs lovely with all of the other flavours

Walnuts: walnuts add a nice crunch to this cheese ball

Dried cranberries: finely chopped dried cranberries add a nice touch for the holiday season

Seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper help to flavour this cheese ball

Chives: chives add a nice herby flavour to the cheese ball but in a pinch you could use finely chopped green onions instead

Mustard: I love the flavour this Smak Dab Red Wine Cranberry Mustard brings to elevate this cheese ball; but there are great alternatives if you can’t find the mustard. See expert tips for suggestions!

How to make this cranberry walnut cheese ball

Step 1: To a bowl add softened cream cheese, shredded white cheddar cheese, shredded gouda cheese, ¼ cup finely chopped walnuts, ¼ cup finely chopped dried cranberries, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, minced chives and red wine cranberry mustard. Mix well to combine.

Step 2: Put the cheese mixture into the fridge for 10-15 minutes – this will help make it easier to shape into a cheese ball.

Step 3: To a plate add the remaining finely chopped walnuts and finely chopped dried cranberries. Remove the cheese ball from the fridge and use your hands to form the mixture into a ball. Roll the cheeseball in the dried cranberries and nut mixture and wrap in plastic wrap. Place the cheeseball into the fridge again for at least 15 minutes or until ready to serve (up to one day).

Step 4: To serve, add the cheese ball to a serving plate along with your favorite crackers or crostini! You can garnish with fresh or sugared cranberries and fresh rosemary for a festive touch if desired.

Expert tips

• If you can’t find the Red Wine Cranberry Mustard, look for alternatives like: cranberry red wine jelly; cranberry horseradish sauce; holiday spiced cranberry sauce; cranberry orange jam; or cranberry spread.
• You can also make this cheese ball into mini individual cheese balls! One the base mixture is made, scoop out heaping tablespoonfuls and shape into mini small balls.
• Fresh herbs like chives are the best for a cheese ball, they bring such delicious flavour! If you don’t have chives, thinly sliced green onion will work or switch it up and use fresh parsley or fresh basil.

Common questions

What if I don’t have cranberry wine mustard?
If you can’t find the Red Wine Cranberry Mustard, look for alternatives like: cranberry red wine jelly; cranberry horseradish sauce; holiday spiced cranberry sauce; cranberry orange jam; or cranberry spread.

Are there any other cheeses I can use in this appetizer?
YES! You could substitute the old cheddar cheese for gruyere cheese or use shredded parmesan cheese instead of the gouda.

Can I make this cranberry walnut cheese ball ahead of time?
YES. If making this for a holiday party or get-together I’d recommend making only one day ahead so it has the most fresh flavours when serving. If you have leftover cheese ball, store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Is there a substitute for walnuts?
Different coatings that can be used instead of walnuts are chopped almonds, pecans or toasted breadcrumbs.

How to store this holiday cheese ball

Store in the fridge in an airtight container lined with parchment paper until ready to serve later. Make this cranberry walnut cheese ball up to one day in advance and take out 1/2 hour before serving.

More festive appetizers to make from the blog

Quick Whipped Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Appetizer

Puff Pastry Baked Gruyere with Fig Jam & Rosemary

The Best Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip (holiday recipe!)

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Festive Holiday Cranberry Walnut Gouda Cheese Ball

Make this Festive Cranberry Walnut Gouda Cheese Ball for the holidays! A classic favourite, this cheese ball appetizer is sure to impress.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword cheese ball

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Resting time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 6 -8

Author Jess

Ingredients

• 250 g (8 oz) softened plain cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded old / sharp white cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded gouda cheese
• 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts (divided)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped dried cranberries (divided)
• 3/4 tsp garlic powder
• 3/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 2 tbsp minced chives 
• 2 tbsp cranberry wine / red wine mustard (see other substitutes below in the notes)

Instructions

• To a bowl add softened cream cheese, shredded white cheddar cheese, shredded gouda cheese, ¼ cup finely chopped walnuts, ¼ cup finely chopped dried cranberries, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, minced chives and cranberry wine mustard. Mix well to combine.
• Put the cheese mixture into the fridge for 10-15 minutes - this will help make it easier to shape into a cheese ball.
• To a plate add the remaining finely chopped walnuts and finely chopped dried cranberries. Remove the cheese ball from the fridge and use your hands to form the mixture into a ball. Roll the cheeseball in the dried cranberries and nut mixture and wrap in plastic wrap. Place the cheeseball into the fridge again for at least 15 minutes or until ready to serve (up to one day).
• To serve, add the cheese ball to a serving plate along with your favorite crackers or crostini! You can garnish with fresh or sugared cranberries and fresh rosemary for a festive touch if desired.

Notes

• If you have any issues stirring the cheese ball mixture, you can use a hand mixer or add 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream to loosen the mixture just slightly.
• If you can't find the Red Wine Cranberry Mustard, look for alternatives like: cranberry red wine jelly; cranberry horseradish sauce; holiday spiced cranberry sauce; cranberry orange jam; or cranberry spread.
• You could substitute the old cheddar cheese for gruyere cheese or use shredded parmesan cheese instead of the gouda.
• If making this for a holiday party or get-together I’d recommend making only one day ahead so it has the most fresh flavours when serving. If you have leftover cheese ball, store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Different coatings that can be used instead of walnuts are chopped almonds, pecans or toasted breadcrumbs.

The post Festive Holiday Cranberry Walnut Gouda Cheese Ball appeared first on Cooking in my Genes.

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)

5 Minute Jalapeno Popper Dip

Easy and Quick Holiday Brie Crostini Appetizers

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Easy Herb & Walnut Mini Cheese Balls Appetizer

Make these herb & walnut mini cheese balls for a quick & delicious appetizer! A perfect bite-sized appy for Christmas, New Year's or gameday.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword cheese, cheese ball

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Resting time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 12 -14 mini cheese balls

Calories 169kcal

Author Jess

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!

Nutrition

Calories: 169kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 258mg | Potassium: 74mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 392IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 0.3mg

The post Easy Herb & Walnut Mini Cheese Balls Appetizer appeared first on Cooking in my Genes.