Carb bacon cheddar mini cheese balls

  • 8 oz (1 block) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4–6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (reserve 1 tbsp for coating)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Optional coating:
    • Extra crumbled bacon
    • Everything Bagel Seasoning
    • Chopped pecans
    • Paprika or cayenne for heat

🥓 Bacon tip: Cook until crisp—soft bacon makes the mixture greasy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the Cheese Ball

In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.

Add cheddar, bacon, garlic powder, herbs, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.

💡 Don’t overmix—a few visible bacon bits add great texture!

2. Chill Briefly (Optional but Helpful)

Refrigerate mixture for 10–15 minutes—this makes rolling easier.

3. Roll into Bites

Scoop 1 teaspoon of mixture and roll into ¾-inch balls (a small cookie scoop works perfectly).

4. Coat & Serve

Roll balls in your chosen coating (bacon, Everything Bagel Seasoning, etc.).

Place on a serving tray or in mini cupcake liners.

🌟 Make it festive: Use green parsley + red paprika for holiday colors!

Tips for Cheese Ball Success

  • Use room-temperature cream cheese—cold = lumpy mix.
  • Pat bacon dry—excess grease = soft cheese balls.
  • Chill before rolling—prevents sticking and melting.
  • Double the batch—freeze for up to 2 months (thaw 10 min before serving).
  • Go gourmet: Add ¼ tsp smoked paprika or 1 tbsp caramelized onions.

Delicious Variations

  • Spicy Jalapeño: Add 2 tbsp diced pickled jalapeños
  • Ranch Style: Mix in 1 tsp dried dill + ½ tsp onion powder
  • Blue Cheese: Swap ½ cup cheddar for crumbled blue cheese
  • Herb Garden: Use tarragon, thyme, and chives
  • Low-Fat: Use reduced-fat cream cheese (texture will be firmer)

Serving Suggestions That Shine

  • Game day: Skewer with toothpicks and serve with cold beer
  • Holiday platter: Arrange with olives, nuts, and crackers
  • Keto snack: Pair with celery sticks or cucumber rounds
  • Brunch bite: Serve alongside deviled eggs and smoked salmon

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make these dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese, vegan cheddar, and coconut bacon.

Q: How long do they keep?
A: Up to 5 days covered in the fridge. Freeze (uncoated) for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A: Yes—but block cheese shreds finer and melts more evenly.

Q: Are they keto-friendly?
A: Absolutely! With ~1g net carbs per bite, they’re perfect for low-carb diets.

Final Thoughts: Big Flavor, Tiny Package

These Bacon Cheddar Mini Cheese Balls prove that you don’t need size or complexity to create something unforgettable. With their smoky crunch, creamy center, and bold cheddar punch, they’re the kind of appetizer that sparks conversation, earns recipe requests, and vanishes before you finish filling your own plate.

So soften that cream cheese, crumble that bacon, and roll up a batch that doesn’t just feed people—but brings them together.

Made these and couldn’t stop popping them? I’d love to hear your twist—did you go spicy? Add Everything Bagel Seasoning? Share your cheesy success in the comments below—or tag me on social. And if you know someone who thinks cheese balls = fruitcake, send them this recipe. You’ll change their mind—one savory bite at a time! 🧀✨🥓