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Cheese Balls Recipe

These delicious cheese balls are an ideal party snack because they are made in advance, and you don't need to heat them up.

Prep Time
30 mins
Additional Time
15 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 12 balls
Calories: 140 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
  • 3 ounces cheddar cheese sharp, grated; ¾ cup
  • 1 ounce parmesan grated
  • 1 teaspoon fresh garlic minced
  • ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt see notes below
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 3 ounces bacon bits or cooked and finely crumbled bacon

Instructions

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  1. Place the cream cheese, cheddar, parmesan, garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, parsley, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl. Mix with a rubber spatula until blended.
  2. Freeze the mixture for 15 minutes. Shape the mixture into 12 balls, using a measuring tablespoon to scoop them out of the bowl.
  3. Roll the balls in the bacon bits to coat them.
  4. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Remove the balls from the fridge 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • If using any salt other than Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt, including Morton kosher salt, use half the amount listed.
  • I use a heaping measuring tablespoon and get 12 balls. You can make them smaller if you'd like. 
  • These are quite spicy. If you don’t like spicy food, use just ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
  • Freezing the mixture briefly before shaping the cheese balls makes it much easier to shape them. It's best to freeze the mixture in a shallow layer so that it sets evenly. Even so, you can expect the edges to be harder than the center. Even after freezing the mixture, shaping the balls is a bit messy, so you can wear food-grade disposable gloves if you wish.
  • You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. They keep well and taste great even on the fourth day. Remember to take them out of the fridge 30 minutes before serving them to allow them to get to room temperature. Some foods, such as cheese and chocolate, are best at room temperature.
  • You can also freeze the leftovers. Start by placing them on a parchment-lined large sheet or tray. Place them in the freezer for 1-2 hours until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer bag. You can keep them in the freezer for up to three months.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1cheese ball Calories 140kcal (7%) Carbohydrates 1g (0%) Protein 7g (14%) Fat 12g (18%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Sodium 326mg (14%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12balls

Amount Per Serving

Calories 140

% Daily Value*

Serving 1cheese ball
Calories 140kcal 7%
Carbohydrates 1g 0%
Protein 7g 14%
Fat 12g 18%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Sodium 326mg 14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.