Individual Cheese Balls

Perfect for parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, these Individual Cheese Balls are a bite-sized twist on the classic appetizer. Creamy and tangy, these portable treats blend smooth cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and a hint of garlic and parsley for an irresistible flavor. Each cheese ball is rolled in a variety of toppings—crushed nuts, fresh parsley, dried cranberries, or crunchy panko breadcrumbs—for customizable texture and presentation. Topped with a pretzel stick for easy serving and a touch of whimsy, these elegant yet effortless appetizers are ready to impress in just 20 minutes of prep time. Whether you're hosting a festive soiree or a casual get-together, these mini cheese balls are guaranteed crowd-pleasers!

Nutriscore Rating: 43/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 8 oz Cream cheese
• 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp Dried parsley
• 0.25 tsp Salt
• 0.25 tsp Ground black pepper
• 0.5 cup Crushed nuts (e.g., pecans, almonds, or walnuts)
• 0.25 cup Chopped fresh parsley
• 0.25 cup Dried cranberries, finely chopped (optional)
• 0.25 cup Panko breadcrumbs (optional)
• 12 sticks Pretzel sticks (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend everything together until smooth and well combined.

Step 2

Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the cheese mixture and roll each portion into a ball. Repeat until all the cheese mixture is used, placing the balls on a parchment-lined plate or tray.

Step 3

Prepare the coatings by placing the crushed nuts, chopped parsley, dried cranberries, and panko breadcrumbs (if using) in separate shallow bowls.

Step 4

Roll each cheese ball in your desired coating(s), pressing gently to ensure the toppings adhere. You can also mix and match multiple toppings on one ball for variety.

Step 5

Once coated, arrange the cheese balls on a serving plate or tray.

Step 6

Insert a pretzel stick into the center of each cheese ball for easy grabbing and a decorative touch.

Step 7

Chill the cheese balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.

Step 8

Serve and enjoy these creamy, flavorful bites at your next gathering!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	840.2 grams (840.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3208

Total Fat 161.50g	207%
Saturated Fat 73.90g	370%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.40g
Cholesterol 349mg	116%
Sodium 7637mg	332%
Total Carbohydrate 359.60g	131%
Dietary Fiber 22.60g	81%
Total Sugars 53.20g
Protein 80.60g	161%

Vitamin D 24IU	120%
Calcium 1311mg	101%
Iron 21mg	116%
Potassium 1513mg	32%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.2%

Protein: 10.0%

Carbs: 44.8%