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5.0 from 12 votes

Mini Cheese Ball Recipe

This Mini Cheese Ball Recipe served in crispy little fillo shells is fun to serve and even more fun to eat!

Prep Time
20 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 40 bites
Calories: 68 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 8 ounces shredded white cheddar
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried
  • 3 dashes cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 cup dried tart cherries
  • 1 cup chopped pistachios or 1/2 cup pistachios + 1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon
  • 3 boxes Athens mini fillo shells

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Place both cheeses in the food processor and puree until smooth. Add the lemon zest, thyme, cayenne, and cherries and pulse until the cherries are chopped and evenly distributed.
  2. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Place the pistachios (and bacon) in small bowls. Scoop a 2-teaspoon portion of cheese mixture into your hands and roll into a smooth ball. Then place the ball in the pistachios and gently shake until the ball is covered with nuts. Press the cheese ball into a mini fillo shell and place on a platter. Repeat with the remaining cheese mixture.
  4. If making ahead, cover the platter well and refrigerate until ready to serve. Can be made 1-2 days ahead.

Notes

  • You can keep the cheese portion in the freezer for up to 3 months, but I do not encourage keeping the fillo shells in the freezer with the cheese. You can always assemble them before serving, after you let the balls and fillo shells defrost.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1bite Calories 68kcal (3%) Carbohydrates 4g (1%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 5g (8%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Cholesterol 9mg (3%) Sodium 70mg (3%) Potassium 54mg (2%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 165IU (3%) Vitamin C 0.5mg (1%) Calcium 54mg (5%) Iron 0.2mg (1%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 40bites

Amount Per Serving

Calories 68

% Daily Value*

Serving 1bite
Calories 68kcal 3%
Carbohydrates 4g 1%
Protein 3g 6%
Fat 5g 8%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 9mg 3%
Sodium 70mg 3%
Potassium 54mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 165IU 3%
Vitamin C 0.5mg 1%
Calcium 54mg 5%
Iron 0.2mg 1%

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