Bite Sized Cheese Balls
A Decadent and Delicious Appetizer
Bite Sized Cheese Balls are an elegant and savory snack made with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, grated onion, and a hint of spice. Crushed pecans add a nutty flavor and delicious crunch.
These can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge for a day or two to put out for guests. Pop one in your mouth or serve with crackers.
These Bite Sized Cheese Balls are an old fashioned recipe that I saw in a vintage cookbook. I modified this recipe to add in a few more touches that I think make it extra special.
These take an extra step to roll the balls in the pecans, but it is worth it. If you are in a time crunch, you can also serve this as a spread with the remaining crushed pecans spread on top.
There’s a full recipe card at the end of the post, but first I’ve got tips and pictures to help you master your appetizer game.
Shred Your Own Cheese
I highly recommend shredding your own cheese for this recipe. I like to use a sharp cheddar, but you can truly add any cheese you like.
I also think a pepper jack would be very good with this recipe or even a jack cheese. I think the texture of freshly shredded cheese is perfect for this recipe.
It also helps bind the mix when it is rolled into a ball.
Grated Onion Is Great
The best ingredient in this mix is the grated onion. This adds such a nice touch to the flavors of this appetizer.
It gives it a fresh and savory flavor. I grate my onion right on my cheese grater.
Another great appetizer that I make that uses grated onions are my Easy Chalet Appetizers. These Chalet appetizers would also be a good accompaniment to the cheese balls.
The Extra Step Is Worth It
Rolling the cheese balls in the crushed pecans takes a few extra minutes, but it is totally worth the step. It makes this appetizer feel special and elegant. If you are really in a time crunch, you can serve this as a spread with the crushed pecans sprinkled on top like my Chicken Spread recipe.
Scoop For Ease
I use my cookie scoop to make this. They have many on Amazon.
*This is an Amazon affiliate link, which means Amazon pays me a small commission if you use the link.*
I linked the three pack I use and you can decide the size you want to use for your cheeseballs. You can find these scoops anywhere, even the dollar store.
I think using these makes this recipe easier, but you can also just use a spoon.
Better When Cold
Make these at least a few hours ahead of time so that they firm up for people to be able to easily pick up.
You can serve them right away if needed. but they do present nicer if they sit in the fridge overnight. Just wrap up with saran wrap to store in fridge.
Bite Sized Cheese Balls
Bite Sized Cheeseballs are an elegant and savory snack. Made with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, grated onion and a hint of spice. Crushed pecans add a nutty flavor and delicious crunch. These can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge for a day or two to put out for guests. Pop one in your mouth or serve with crackers.
Ingredients
- 8 ounce package of sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 8 ounce package of cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons of grated white onion
- 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup of crushed pecans, to mix in
- 1 cup of crushed pecans, to finish
- Couple of shakes of Tabasco *optional
- 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- pinch of black pepper
- couple of pinches of paprika
- pinch of celery salt, if needed
- Fresh rosemary for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl add your shredded cheddar, cream cheese, Worcestershire, tabasco, grated onion, pepper, paprika, salt, mayo, 1/4 cup of crushed pecans and blend really well until all is combined.
- Make sure the remaining pecans are crushed and pour onto a plate.
- Use a spoon or a cookie scoop, and scoop 1 1/2 inch balls. I roll a few at a time and plop onto the plate of crushed nuts.
- Roll each ball around in the crushed nuts and place on a serving plate.
- Repeat until all the balls are rolled. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 4 to 6 hours or overnight.
- Garnish with rosemary on the sides of the platter or you can stick a small sprig into each one.
- Serve on their own or with crackers.