Miniature Cheese Balls
Delightful miniature cheese balls feature a rich blend of cheddar, cream cheese, and walnuts, perfect for parties, appetizers, or entertaining guests with their savory, nutty flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine grated Cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, softened butter, Worcestershire sauce, and coarse ground pepper in a mixing bowl and blend thoroughly.
- Roll the mixture into balls about 1/2-inch in diameter.
- Roll each ball in chopped walnuts until coated.
- Chill the cheese balls in the refrigerator before serving with toothpicks.
Tips & Substitutions
For a different flavor, try mixing in some herbs like chives or dill. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or almonds can be great substitutes. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing. If you want a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. These cheese balls are perfect for parties and pair well with crackers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these miniature cheese balls on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking. They pair wonderfully with fresh vegetable sticks or crackers. Consider serving alongside Green Beans Almondine for a delightful spread. These bites are perfect for parties or as a fun appetizer for game day.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them before rolling in walnuts. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then coat in walnuts just before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Miniature Cheese Balls contains roughly 30 calories, with 1g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 3g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cheese balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball mixture and roll them into balls a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator and coat with walnuts right before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy.
What can I serve with these cheese balls?
These cheese balls are versatile and can be served with a variety of accompaniments. They go well with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetable sticks. A sweet touch like Honey Graham Treats can also provide a nice contrast to the savory cheese flavors.
Can I make these cheese balls vegan?
Yes, you can create a vegan version by using plant-based cream cheese and a dairy-free butter substitute. Nutritional yeast can be added for a cheesy flavor, and you can roll them in crushed nuts or seeds instead of walnuts.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).