Mini Cheese Balls | A Delightful Snack Recipe

For those who have been following along, it’s no secret that anything mini has a special place in my heart. From mini pumpkin pies to mini cheesecakes and mini fruit tarts—I adore them all. Combine that love with a good cheese ball recipe, and you get my ultimate favorite: mini cheese balls!

The first time I made mini cheese balls was inspired by a visit to my friend Emily, who had crafted some delightful versions herself. They were so charming that I couldn’t resist making my own when I got home.

These delightful morsels are suitable for a variety of occasions—from elegant dinner parties and game-day spreads to lively New Year’s Eve celebrations or cozy movie nights with family and friends. With cheese involved, what’s not to love?

How to Make These Mini Cheese Balls

This recipe showcases sharp cheddar cheese, ranch mix, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions, offering a delightful explosion of flavor. The iconic bacon-ranch combination is undeniably hard to resist!

If bacon and ranch don’t float your boat, check the “Recipe Variations” section for alternative flavors to try in these mini cheese balls!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 (8-ounce) packages softened cream cheese
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 (1-ounce) packet dry ranch seasoning mix OR 2 tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning mix
• 2 cups finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 thinly sliced green onions
• ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 8 slices)
• 1½ cups finely chopped pecans

Be sure to let the cream cheese come to room temperature for easier mixing. If you forget, see my guide on how to soften cream cheese quickly.

While I usually have a jar of homemade ranch seasoning, a store-bought packet works just as well. Fun fact: I often use pre-packaged crumbled bacon for convenience when making these delicious bites. If you prefer to cook the bacon yourself, around 8 slices should do the trick.

Making These Cheese Balls

Start by mixing everything (except for the pecans) in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer to blend everything together until well combined.

Once combined, cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for about an hour to firm up, making it easier to scoop the mixtures into balls.

After refrigerating, use a small (1 tablespoon) cookie scoop to portion out the cheese mixture. Roll each portion into a ball and coat it evenly in your chopped pecans.

While they can be served immediately, I recommend refrigerating the cheese balls for a few additional hours so the delightful flavors have the chance to meld together. Serve them with your favorite store-bought or homemade crackers at your next gathering, and watch them vanish!

Cheese Ball Storage

Store mini cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended as cream cheese can become grainy when thawed, which affects the texture of the cheese balls.

Recipe Variations

While we adore this recipe as is, feel free to get creative! Here are a few ideas to mix things up:

• Swap cheddar cheese for another variety, like gouda, monterey jack, or even pepper jack for some added spice.
• Use a spicy ranch seasoning mix and add hot sauce for an extra kick.
• If you’re avoiding pecans, try using crushed pretzels instead!

If the bacon-ranch combo isn’t your favorite, you can use the base of classic cheese ball or cranberry pecan goat cheese ball recipes instead. Prepare the cheese ball mixtures as directed, then chill and portion into mini balls.