Ohhh yes 🧀🥓 Bacon Cheddar Mini Cheese Balls—crispy on the outside, cheesy and flavorful on the inside, perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or game-day treat. Here’s a step-by-step recipe:
🧀🥓 Bacon Cheddar Mini Cheese Balls
Ingredients (makes ~20-24 mini balls)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for coating)
- 1–2 tbsp melted butter (optional, for extra crisp)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare cheese mixture
- In a bowl, combine cream cheese and shredded cheddar until smooth.
- Add crumbled bacon, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Chill mixture for 15–20 minutes so it’s easier to shape.
2️⃣ Form mini balls
- Scoop small amounts (about 1 tbsp each) of the chilled mixture.
- Roll into tight balls using your hands.
3️⃣ Coat with breadcrumbs
- Place panko breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl.
- Roll each cheese ball in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Optional: brush or drizzle with melted butter for extra golden crisp.
4️⃣ Bake or fry
Oven method:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place cheese balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until golden and crispy.
Air fryer method:
- Preheat air fryer to 360°F (182°C).
- Cook cheese balls 8–10 minutes until golden and crispy.
Optional frying method:
- Heat oil in a skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
5️⃣ Serve
- Serve warm as-is, or with ranch, spicy mayo, or marinara dipping sauce.
Pro Tips
- Extra crispy: roll in crushed crackers or more panko for crunchier coating.
- Cheese variation: mix cheddar with mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavors.
- Make-ahead: you can shape balls and freeze on a tray, then bake straight from frozen.
- Flavor boost: add smoked paprika, cayenne, or fresh herbs to the cheese mixture.
🔥 Variations
- 🌶️ Spicy Cheese Balls: add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the cheese mixture
- 🥓 Loaded Bacon Cheddar: mix in finely chopped cooked onion or chives for extra flavor
- 🧄 Garlic Herb: add garlic powder, parsley, and a pinch of thyme
- 🧀 Triple Cheese: combine cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan for ultra-cheesy goodness
I can also give a “super crispy, bite-sized cheese balls with a molten center” recipe that’s basically addictive finger food 😏.
Do you want me to do that?
