Mini cheese ball bites taste just like a loaded classic cheese ball but are mini size making them the perfect grab-and-go party appetizer!
These appetizers are miniature versions of my bacon ranch cheese ball! Other favorites include jalapeno poppers and potato skins!
Table of Contents
Loaded Mini Cheese Ball Bites
A cheese ball is one of favorite Christmas appetizers, not only is it delicious but it can be whipped up in a few minutes! I usually make the regular size, but knowing how much everyone loves my pretzel bites I decided to make these mini appetizers, too!
These mini cheese ball bites are loaded bacon and ranch flavor. Bacon and ranch are a crowd-pleasing combination not only in this appetizer but also in bacon ranch deviled eggs and bacon ranch cheddar dip.
How to Make Cheese Ball Bites
To start, you will need to cook your bacon then beat softened cream cheese until it’s smooth.
Add remaining ingredients including cheddar cheese, bacon, ranch dressing mix, and green onions. Beat it all until well blended.
Cover and chill for about 20 minutes. You can also chill it longer if you want to make it ahead of time.
Roll the mixture into balls and cover with crushed pecans. Then, chill the bacon ranch cheese ball bites until ready to serve, then insert a pretzel stick before serving.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Type of cheese: I love cheddar cheese in these mini cheeseball bites but any variety will work as long as it’s freshly shredded cheese from a block.
- Cheese log: If you want to make a large cheeseball, there’s no reason why this recipe couldn’t be used to create a big mound. Instead of rolling the cheese ball bites in crushed pecans, you can make a cheese log and roll it in the pecans, then serve with pretzels.
- Flavor variations: Roll mini cheeseballs in a different nut like walnuts or almonds. Add dried fruit like cranberries or roll in green onions or parsley.
- Serving: Pretzel sticks make this mini cheese ball recipe easy to serve at a buffet table. Other options include wheat thins, triscuits, crackers, toast, or vegetables or just a toothpick.
Make Ahead and Storing
- Make ahead: Cheese ball bites can be easily made ahead. Simply prepare the cream cheese mixture as directed, then shape into balls and roll them into the chopped nuts. Place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. Before serving, press the pretzel sticks into the cheese balls.
- Store: Remove pretzel sticks and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Need more easy appetizers? Try this slow cooker buffalo chicken dip, garlic parmesan pigs in a blanket and veggie cups!
More Easy Appetizer Recipes
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Cheese Ball Bites
Ingredients
- 8 ounce package cream cheese
- ½ cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 teaspoons dry ranch dressing mix
- ½ cup cooked bacon , diced
- 2 green onions , sliced
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans
- 18 mini stick pretzels
Instructions
- Combine. Using an electric mixer, beat 8 ounces cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Add 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, 2 teaspoons ranch dressing mix, 1/2 cup bacon and 2 green onions. Beat again until well blended.
- Cover and chill in refrigerator for 20 minutes, or until set up enough to handle.
- Roll into 1″ sized balls. Then roll in chopped pecans.
- Chill until ready to serve. Just before serving, stick a pretzel stick into each cheese ball bite.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: American, Appetizers, Low Carb, Mini appetizers, Super Bowl
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
Perfect finger food. I liked that the bacon and scallions were mixed into the ball as opposed to other recipes where those ingredients are rolled on the outer surface with the nuts. Fewer things to fall off! These were very tasty also.
So glad you enoyed it!
Can I omit the nuts or won’t they be the same?
Hi Lisa! You can omit the nuts if you’d like :)
I can’t roll it in the nuts because of some people’s allergies but I’m sure they will still taste great.
Definitely! You could try rolling them in crushed Chex mix to add a little crunch :)
I am making this to take to X-mas Dinner. I can’t wait. I am in a Retirement Village (Nursing Home). I sure hope that someone can or will take Me to Kroger. I’m going to LOVE the cheese bites!!! I know All of My Family will Love it too. I have to make some without nuts because My Little Man (Nephew) will get DEATHLY Sick!!! I sure HOPE someone will take Me to Kroger’s. Tell EVERYBODY to have a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!!!! Happy Holidays!!! Sherry
Wishing you a Merry Christmas!! ❤️
These are the cutest appetizers. We made them last night for a family party and everyone loved them!
These make the best party appetizer! So creamy and delicious and love the salt pretzel stick in the middle.
Such an awesome appetizer! I love this recipe and ranch gives so much easy flavor.
I’m glad you enjoyed them!
This cheeseball mixture tastes amazing and I really loved it mini form! So cute and delicious!
The perfect bite-sized appetizer! Love the idea of making little minis instead of a big cheese ball!
Looks yummy!Thank you for sharing, I shall try it today.
These look amazing!
Paige
Yummmm, perfect for everyone who likes cheese (like me)! Great idea, I’m sure that salty bacon in there gives a reaaaally nice touch.