These Mini Cheese Balls are the perfect appetizer for just about any gathering. Made with a savory cream cheese mixture, crispy bacon bits, ranch seasoning, and shredded cheese, each bite packs in all the flavor of a loaded classic cheese ball—only in a fun, single-serving size. With a pretzel stick in each one, they’re easy to grab, easy to eat, and guaranteed to be a hit.
Whether you're prepping for a holiday party, game day snack table, or New Year’s Eve spread, these mini cheese ball bites deliver big on taste with minimal prep work. Make them ahead, chill until serving time, then roll out your appetizer game with these creamy, cheesy, crowd-pleasing bites.
Jump to:
- Why You Will Love These Mini Cheese Balls
- Ingredients
- Substitutions and Variations
- How to Make Mini Cheese Balls
- More Recipes You Will Love
- How to Store Mini Cheese Balls
- What to Serve with Mini Cheese Balls
- Top Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions About Mini Cheese Balls
- More Recipes You Will Love
- Mini Cheese Balls
If you’re looking for more simple appetizers, here are a few favorites: Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Wing Dip, Slow Cooker Spinach Dip, Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs, Meatball Sliders, BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders, Hawaiian Roll Sliders, and our Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Root Beer.
Why You Will Love These Mini Cheese Balls
- Quick to Prep: Minimal ingredients and no baking make these an easy appetizer.
- Full of Flavor: Each bite combines bold ranch seasoning, bacon bits, and sharp cheddar cheese.
- Perfect for Parties: A great party appetizer that’s easy to grab and go.
- Versatile Mix-Ins: Customize with your favorite cheeses, fresh herbs, or chopped pecans.
- Ideal for Make-Ahead: Chill them in advance, then serve when ready.
Ingredients
A quick grocery run and you’re good-to-go.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Cream Cheese: Creates the creamy, savory base for the cheese balls. Soften the cream cheese first for an easier mix.
- Bacon Bits: Adds a crispy, smoky flavor to every bite.
- Ranch Seasoning: Packs the filling with a tangy, herby boost.
- Shredded Cheese: Provides cheesy richness and a bit of texture throughout.
- Crispy Fried Onions: Adds a subtle crunch and extra savory flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: Brings a pop of freshness and color to the mix.
- Pretzel Sticks: Makes these bites easy to pick up and serve without utensils.
For this easy appetizer, you'll want to have on hand a mixing bowl, hand mixer, and measuring cups and spoons.
Substitutions and Variations
Love this recipe but want to make it your own? Here are some helpful ideas for you to change up these mini cheese balls.
- Cheese Choices: Try pepper jack cheese, white cheddar cheese, or parmesan cheese for different flavors.
- Onion Options: Add green onions or a pinch of onion powder for extra zip and sharpness.
- Add Crunch: Roll balls in sesame seeds, chopped pecans, or bagel seasoning for a fun, flavorful outer layer.
- Boost the Flavor: A dash of garlic powder or brown sugar can switch up the taste for something new.
- Go Bold: Mix in blue cheese crumbles or create mini goat cheese balls for an unexpected twist.
How to Make Mini Cheese Balls
Making these mini cheese balls is a breeze, and they come together quickly with just a few simple steps.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl add cream cheese and beat until soft and fluffy (note: this step is optional, but I find it easier to mix).
Add shredded cheese, bacon bits, ranch seasoning, crispy fried onions, chopped parsley and mix well.
Drop 1 tablespoon balls onto the lined sheet and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Once ready to serve add one pretzel stick into each cheese ball.
Hint: Let the cream cheese come to room temperature for easiest mixing.
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How to Store Mini Cheese Balls
Here are some ways to store these mini cheese balls.
- Refrigerator: Remove the pretzel rods before storing in an airtight container wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: While best fresh, you can freeze the cheese balls (without the pretzel sticks) for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before adding pretzels.
What to Serve with Mini Cheese Balls
These mini cheese balls are a great finger food to bring to any party; here are some additional items to make the perfect apps table.
- Guac and Homemade Tortilla Chips: A classic combo for any gathering.
- Crockpot Meatballs: A warm, hearty pairing that rounds out any appetizer table.
- Jalapeño Poppers: A spicy, creamy bite to balance the rich cheesiness.
- Sliders: Another quintessential backyard app, try our BBQ sliders, Hawaiian roll pulled pork sliders or meatball sliders.
- Bacon Wrapped Sausage: A quick air fryer appetizer to take with you or make for yourself.
- Egg Rolls: Another fun addition to any party, you will love our Big Mac egg rolls.
- Crackers or Crostini: Another crunchy option for serving and adding texture.
- Cheese Log or Large Cheese Ball: Create a visually fun cheese board with a variety of sizes and flavors.
- Slow Cooker Dips: Our Crockpot spinach and artichoke dip or Buffalo chicken wing dip are both great options.
Top Tips
Here are some of our best tips to help you make the best mini cheese balls.
- Mix Thoroughly: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl to ensure a smooth, consistent texture.
- Scoop Evenly: Use a cookie scoop to portion out uniform mini cheese balls.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet to help them firm up.
- Insert Pretzel Sticks Last: Add pretzel sticks just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mini Cheese Balls
Do you have questions about making our mini cheese balls?
Yes! Store them in an airtight container or wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving.
They’re best fresh, but you can freeze them without pretzel sticks for up to a month and thaw in the fridge.
A cheddar mix or sharp cheddar cheese works well, but feel free to use your favourite cheeses.
Absolutely. Set them in a shallow dish with toothpicks or serve as finger foods on a platter.
Nope—just a mixing spoon and a little prep work will do the trick, although a mixer can help with a creamy texture.
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Mini Cheese Balls
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Hand Mixer
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 8- ounce brick cream cheese softened
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup bacon bits
- 1 1- ounce package ranch seasoning
- 2 tablespoon crispy fried onions minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 44 pretzel sticks
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl add cream cheese and beat until soft and fluffy (note: this step is optional, but I find it easier to mix).
- Add shredded cheese, bacon bits, ranch seasoning, crispy fried onions, chopped parsley and mix well.
- Drop 1 tablespoon balls onto the lined sheet and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Once ready to serve add one pretzel stick into each cheese ball.
Notes
- Let the cream cheese come to room temperature for easiest mixing.
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl to ensure a smooth, consistent texture.
- Use a cookie scoop to portion out uniform mini cheese balls.
- Refrigerate the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet to help them firm up.
- Add pretzel sticks just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.
Nutrition
We would be so grateful for you to leave us a rating and review on any recipes you try. If you make any alterations, let us know how they turned out.
Joanne says
Delicious. Must try this recipe.
Eva Filer says
Thank you for the review. So glad you enjoyed it.
Leanne says
I used these for an appetizer this weekend, and they were devoured! Next time, I'll be sure to sneak a few before I put them out lol! Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Eva Filer says
Thanks for the review. We are so happy to hear that they were loved! 🙂
Risa says
These little cheese balls are such a fun appetizer! The bacon ranch flavoring sounds so good, I can't wait to make these!
Eva Filer says
It is so yummy! Enjoy.
Karina says
I was looking for a recipe I can bring to a cookout this weekend. What a great idea. Can't wait to make them and share with everyone.
Eva Filer says
I hope you all love them, they are so tasty, and simple to make! Enjoy.
Eva Filer says
These were so delicious that we used the same recipe and put it in a small baking dish and warmed it in the oven for a dip! Fun to have both ways!