Oh yes 🧀🥓 — Bacon Cheddar Mini Cheese Balls are little bites of cheesy, savory heaven. Perfect as appetizers, party snacks, or game-day treats — crispy on the outside, melty and flavorful on the inside, with that irresistible bacon-cheddar combo.
Here’s a detailed recipe:
🧀🥓 Bacon Cheddar Mini Cheese Balls
Ingredients (Makes ~24 mini balls)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup cooked bacon, finely crumbled
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Optional Garnish: chopped parsley, extra shredded cheese, or more bacon bits
Instructions
1. Make the Cheese Ball Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine cheddar cheese, cream cheese, crumbled bacon, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and egg.
- Mix until a sticky dough forms. Chill for 15–20 minutes if too soft to handle.
2. Shape Balls
- Roll mixture into small 1-inch balls.
3. Coat
- Roll each ball in panko breadcrumbs for a crispy exterior.
4. Fry
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry cheese balls in batches 2–3 minutes, turning until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Alternative: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes for a lighter version.
5. Serve
- Serve warm with dipping sauces like ranch, spicy aioli, or marinara.
🔥 Tips & Variations
- Extra cheesy: Add mozzarella or pepper jack for a melty surprise inside.
- Spicy twist: Mix in chopped jalapeños or cayenne powder.
- Herb flavor: Add chopped chives, parsley, or thyme to the mixture.
- Make ahead: Form balls and freeze before frying. Fry straight from frozen for convenience.
- Mini sliders: Serve these inside small buns for bacon-cheddar “slider bites.”
If you want, I can give a “gourmet party-style version” where each mini cheese ball is stuffed with extra cheese, wrapped in bacon, and baked to golden perfection — basically irresistible finger food 😏.
Do you want me to do that version?
