Mini Cheese Ball Bites

As the holiday seasons approach and we begin planning our festive gatherings, what better way to show our gratitude to friends and family than through the universal language of delicious food? Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that’s not only a crowd-pleaser but also a fun, bite-sized treat that’s sure to ignite a spark at your next party: Mini Cheese Ball Bites!

These delightful morsels combine the rich flavors of cheeses, herbs, and nuts, providing a perfect blend of creamy and crunchy textures that are anything but boring! Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner or a casual get-together, these mini cheese balls are versatile and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Cheese Balls Mixture

• 12 ounces cream cheese (1 ½ blocks), softened to room temperature
• 3 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 cup finely shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
• 15 thin slices peppered salami, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives
• 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley (or 1 ½ tsp dried)
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil (or 1 ½ tsp dried)
• 1 tsp each onion powder, garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Coating

• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios
• 1 tablespoon freshly minced parsley

For Serving

• 24 pretzel sticks

this Recipe

How to Make Mini Cheese Ball Bites

1. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth. Add the chopped salami, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, red bell pepper, red wine vinegar, chives, parsley, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
2. Form the Balls: Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop the mixture and roll into small balls. Each should be about the size of a walnut.
3. Coat the Balls: Mix the chopped pecans, pistachios, and parsley in a shallow dish. Roll each cheese ball into the nut mixture until fully coated.
4. Insert Pretzel Sticks: Just before serving, insert a pretzel stick into each cheese ball, turning each into a delightful mini pop!

Helpful Tips

• Chill Before Serving: For the best texture and flavor, chill the cheese balls for at least an hour before coating and serving.
• Keep Your Hands Cold: If the mixture sticks to your hands while rolling, keep your hands cold by rinsing them with cold water occasionally.

Substitutions/Variations

• Nut-Free Version: For a nut-free version, substitute crushed pretzels or breadcrumbs for the nuts.
• Meat Variations: Feel free to substitute the salami with chopped cooked bacon or ham for a different twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare these cheese balls up to 2 days ahead. Keep them in the refrigerator and add the pretzel sticks just before serving.

Are these gluten-free? These can be made gluten-free by ensuring that the salami and any other added ingredients are gluten-free. Also, replace the pretzel sticks with gluten-free pretzel sticks.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover cheese ball bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to remove the pretzel sticks before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.

More Relevant Recipes

If you loved these mini cheese ball bites, you might also enjoy these delightful desserts that are perfect for any occasion:

• Easy Valentine’s Day Cake
• Strawberry Kiss Cookies
• Valentine’s Red Velvet Brownies

These mini cheese ball bites are not only a testament to the joy of cooking but also to the pleasure of sharing these creations with others. Gather your ingredients, and let’s make something beautiful and delicious that’s guaranteed to bring smiles and warm conversations to your table! Happy cooking!

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