Cheese balls are a quick and easy appetizer any time of year but especially around the holidays. I love that you can make them ahead of time and freeze them. One of my favorites is this Curry Cheese ball recipe we have been making for years.
However, there tends to be a lot of waste when you make a large cheese ball and you really can’t put it together and serve it the next day. Creating small cheeseballs with pretzel sticks is a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer. This recipe is perfect for parties and gatherings
I am so excited to share these mini cheese balls that can also be made and frozen ahead of time. They are simple one-bite appetizers that were gone long before the party ended.
Mini Cheeseball Appetizer Recipe
I was not sure how they would taste, so I made a half recipe, which made 21 small cheese balls. These were gone so quickly I wish I would have made more.
Start with softened cream cheese. If you are in a hurry, you can place a block on a plate and microwave for about 30 seconds or until softened.
HOW TO MAKE MINI CHEESE BALLS
Place all your ingredients in a bowl and using a mixer, I find this the easiest, mix all your ingredients until well mixed.
Using a small Ice Cream Scoop, much easier than a melon baller, to scoop out even balls. Even if you are making these for immediate use, I would place them on a piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet and place in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
CAN I MAKE CHEESEBALLS AHEAD OF TIME?
If you are freezing these, allow the mini cheese balls to freeze on the cookie sheet then transfer them to a freezer Ziploc Bag. (Take them out the night before and put them in the fridge to defrost.
Allow them to sit out while you chop up your nuts, green onions, and dried cranberries.
WHAT CAN I ROLL MY CHEESEBALL IN?
These small cheeseballs with pretzel sticks are not only delicious but also a convenient and fun way to serve your guests. You can customize this recipe by rolling the cheeseballs in
NUTS pecans or walnut
Dried fruits like cranberries and apricots
Chives or green onions
Herbs
Bacon
These colors are great for the holidays but dried apricots would be good too.) I rolled the nuts and cranberries the night before I needed them but waited for the green onions until right before.
Place your cheese balls onto a platter and insert a pretzel stick.
Not only do you have a flavorful appetizer but also a very festive platter.
CAN I MAKE CHEESEBALLS IN ADVANCE
You can make a large batch and keep them in the freezer for surprise guests. They would just have to thaw for about an hour.
As long as you have nuts and dried fruit on hand, you can roll them in something delicious. If you don’t have pretzel sticks, you could also serve them on top of a small cracker.
WHAT CAN I SERVE WITH MINI CHEESEBALLS?
Small cheeseballs are a delicious appetizer, and there are many complementary foods and accompaniments that can enhance your serving platter. Here are some suggestions for what to serve with small cheeseballs:
Crackers: Provide a selection of different crackers, such as plain, whole wheat, and flavored varieties, so guests can spread the cheeseballs on them.
Bread: Offer slices of baguette or small pieces of toasted bread. You can also serve breadsticks or mini crostini.
Vegetable Crudité: A colorful assortment of fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, celery sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips make great dippers.
Fruit: Serve fresh fruit such as apple slices, grapes, and strawberries. The sweetness of the fruit pairs nicely with the savory cheeseballs.
Nuts: A bowl of mixed nuts or flavored nuts (like spiced almonds or candied pecans) can add a crunchy contrast to the creamy cheeseballs.
Pickles and Olives: Provide a selection of pickles, such as gherkins and bread-and-butter pickles, as well as a variety of olives for a briny component.
Meats: Offer slices of salami, prosciutto, or pepperoni for those who enjoy combining cheese and meat.
Wine and Beverages: Complement the cheeseballs with a selection of wines, including white wine, red wine, and sparkling wine. Non-alcoholic options like sparkling water, lemonade, or iced tea are also good choices.
, much easier than a melon baller, to scoop out even balls. Even if you are making these for immediate use, I would place them on a piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet and place in the fridge for at least 2 hours. 
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