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Cheese Ball Bites

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Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions or chives
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup finely chopped nuts (such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts) or breadcrumbs for coating
  • A pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder (optional, for a spicy kick)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for extra richness)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Cream Cheese: The base of these bites, cream cheese gives them a smooth, creamy texture and balances out the sharpness of the shredded cheese.
  • Shredded Cheese: The key to these Cheese Ball Bites is the shredded cheese, which imparts that signature cheesy flavor and helps bind everything together.
  • Green Onions/Chives: Adding a mild, onion-like flavor that complements the richness of the cheese.
  • Garlic and Onion Powder: These seasonings deepen the savory taste and enhance the overall flavor profile of the bites.
  • Nuts or Breadcrumbs: The coating provides a satisfying crunch and texture, contrasting with the creamy interior.
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor to enhance the taste, giving the bites an extra dimension of flavor.

Instructions

Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

  1. Prepare the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, ensure that the cream cheese is softened. This will make it easier to combine with the other ingredients.
  2. Mix the Cheese Ingredients: Add the shredded cheddar cheese, feta cheese (if using), chopped green onions, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), cayenne pepper (if using), and salt and pepper to the bowl with the cream cheese. Use a spatula to mix everything until well combined. This mixture should be thick but easy to shape into balls.
  3. Chill the Mixture: Once the cheese mixture is well combined, cover the bowl and refrigerate it for about 20-30 minutes. Chilling helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to shape into small bites.

Shape the Cheese Ball Bites:

  1. Form the Bites: After chilling, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls (about 1-1.5 inches in diameter). The mixture should be smooth and easy to roll, but if it’s too sticky, simply refrigerate it a little longer.
  2. Coat the Bites: Place your chosen coating—whether finely chopped nuts or breadcrumbs—on a plate. Roll each cheese ball in the coating, ensuring that all sides are covered. This gives the bites a crunchy exterior and extra flavor.

Chill and Serve:

  1. Chill Again: Place the coated cheese balls on a plate or tray and refrigerate them for another 10-15 minutes. This helps the bites maintain their shape and the flavors to meld together.
  2. Serve: Once chilled, your Cheese Ball Bites are ready to be served! Arrange them on a platter and enjoy as a snack or appetizer.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://buttereats.com/cheese-ball-bites/