Mini Cheese Balls
User Reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Excellent
Mini Cheese Balls
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Perfectly portioned and flavored with three different toppings, these mini cheese balls are easy, delicious, and perfect for the holidays!
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened (see note 1)
- 6 ounces havarti cheese shredded (see note 2)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs such as chives and parsley (see note 3)
- 1/4 cup dry sun-dried tomatoes (not oil-packed) finely chopped
- 1/4 cup walnuts finely chopped, or walnut meal
- Crostini and crackers, for serving
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Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese and Havarti cheese until blended. Using a tablespoon or a medium scoop, place small mounds of cheese mixture on a plate or baking sheet (you should have 18 to 20 cheese balls). Roll into balls and chill for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, place herbs, tomatoes, and walnuts each in their own bowl. When the cheese is chilled, drop a ball into a mixture and roll until evenly coated. Arrange on a platter. Repeat until all the cheese balls are coated.
- Cover and chill until serving time or serve immediately with crackers or crostini.
Notes
- Cream cheese: Solid blocks of cream cheese work well in this recipe, but let them warm up to room temperature before starting.
- Havarti: Mild and buttery, shredded Havarti is an ideal pick for these bite-sized appetizers. Or substitute gouda (maybe a smoked one) or Swiss cheese.
- Toppings: I picked toppings that were also colorful and festive for the holidays: sun-dried tomatoes, a dill-and-chive mixture, and ground walnuts. You could also try bacon bits, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, sesame seeds, other fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
- Yield: One batch of the recipe makes 18 to 20 small cheese balls. I assume a serving is 3 balls (because won't everyone want to try all 3 flavors?)
- Make ahead: You can and should make these ahead, up to 2 days before you need them.
- Storage: Keep the cheese in the refrigerator until the guests arrive.
- Chilling: Very important. Some of the toppings, especially the sun-dried tomatoes, need to be pressed into the mixture to really stick. If your cheese is still room-temperature, you'll just be mashing soft cheese around in your hands. Let the cheese firm up a bit before pressing on the outer coating.
- Pretzel sticks: Some savvy hosts stick a thin pretzel stick in the center of each cheese ball for grab-and-go convenience.
- Use the food processor: Big batches of mini cheese balls are easy to whip up in a food processor, shredded cheese, and all.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Serving
3balls
Calories
270kcal
(14%)
Carbohydrates
5g
(2%)
Protein
11g
(22%)
Fat
24g
(37%)
Saturated Fat
13g
(65%)
Cholesterol
67mg
(22%)
Sodium
347mg
(14%)
Potassium
250mg
(7%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
845IU
(17%)
Vitamin C
3mg
(3%)
Calcium
219mg
(22%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 270 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 3balls | |
| Calories | 270kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 24g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Cholesterol | 67mg | 22% |
| Sodium | 347mg | 14% |
| Potassium | 250mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 845IU | 17% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 219mg | 22% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
15 reviews
Excellent
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