Mini Cheese Balls for Christmas Parties
These Mini Cheese Balls for Christmas Parties are creamy, crunchy, make-ahead friendly, and oh-so-festive. Served on pretzel sticks with sweet and savory toppings, they’re the perfect holiday appetizer for any crowd.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Mini Scoop or Spoon
Ingredients
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp chives finely chopped
Toppings
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup bacon bits optional
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries chopped
- 1/4 cup crushed pretzels
Serving
- 20 pretzel sticks
Instructions
- In a bowl, blend softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add in shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, and chives. Mix well.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare toppings: place chopped nuts, bacon bits, cranberries, and crushed pretzels on separate plates.
- Use a mini scoop or spoon to portion cheese mixture and roll into balls using lightly greased hands.
- Roll each cheese ball in your choice of toppings to coat evenly.
- Insert a pretzel stick into the center of each cheese ball just before serving.
Notes
- Chill cheese balls before inserting pretzel sticks to avoid sogginess.
- Store in airtight container up to 1 day ahead without pretzels.
- Add toppings just before serving for best texture.