Cheese balls are an easy, delicious appetizer that can be made with just a few ingredients. They are perfect for parties or potlucks, and can be customized to your own taste. Whether you like your cheese balls mild or spicy, cheesy or nutty, there is a recipe out there for you. With so many different variations to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect cheese ball recipe to wow your guests.
Let's cook with our recipes!
CREAM CHEESE SAUSAGE BALLS
Sausage balls are an entertaining standby for me, but they were always admittedly a little dry - until I tried adding cream cheese, and better balls were born. I'll never go back!
Provided by Chelsey
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Meat and Poultry Pork
Time 35m
Yield 24
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Blend sausage, baking mix, cream cheese, and Cheddar cheese together using the dough hook attachment of an electric stand mixer on very low speed until well combined, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a rimmed baking stone.
- Bake in the preheated oven until browned and no longer pink in the centers, 22 to 25 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 143.8 calories, Carbohydrate 4.4 g, Cholesterol 30.9 mg, Fat 11.4 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 6 g, SaturatedFat 5.7 g, Sodium 333.1 mg, Sugar 0.2 g
MINI CHEESE BALLS
These mini cheese balls are the perfect quick appetizer for any party. Roll them in toasted sesame seeds, fresh rosemary and/or paprika to add even more flavor. -J. Spivey, Ennice, North Carolina
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Appetizers
Time 30m
Yield 36 cheese balls
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine cheeses. Shape into 36 balls; roll balls in toppings as desired. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. To serve, if desired, press a rye crisp or rolled corn chip into the top of each cheese ball.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 47 calories, Fat 4g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 13mg cholesterol, Sodium 61mg sodium, Carbohydrate 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein.
JIMMY DEAN SAUSAGE CHEESE BALLS
Making appetizers is fun and easy with these cute and tasty sausage balls. They can even be made ahead of time, and frozen. Just thaw and bake when you need them!
Provided by JimmyDean
Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips Jimmy Dean
Yield 36
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 F. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl; stir well. Form into 1inch balls. Place on ungreased baking sheet; bake 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven; cool 5 minutes before removing from pan. Serve with cocktail forks or toothpicks.
OLIVE CHEESE BALLS
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories appetizer
Time 20m
Yield 24 apps
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine cheese, butter, flour and cayenne with a fork until a dough-like form forms. Scoop up a tablespoon of the dough and enclose one olive with dough. Roll into a ball and place on baking sheet. Repeat process using up remaining dough. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden. Serve warm.
SAUSAGE CHEESE BALLS
These bite-sized meatballs are a favorite of mine. Feel free to swap in different cheese for the cheddar or to serve the balls with Dijon mustard instead of the barbecue and sweet-and-sour sauces.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Appetizers
Time 30m
Yield 1 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a small bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients. Crumble sausage over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-in. balls. , Place in a shallow baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 12-15 minutes or until no longer pink. Drain on paper towels. Serve with sauces if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 265 calories, Fat 18g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 60mg cholesterol, Sodium 685mg sodium, Carbohydrate 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 18g protein.
MINI CHEESE BALLS
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories appetizer
Time 4h
Yield 24 1-inch balls
Number Of Ingredients 0
Steps:
- Mix 8 ounces softened cream cheese with 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest and 1 cup shredded firm cheese (like cheddar, parmesan, pepper jack or gouda); season with salt and pepper. With moistened hands, form into 1-inch balls, chill 4 hours, then roll in toppings. Here we used chopped pistachios, chives, tarragon, hulled pumpkin seeds, bacon with paprika, almonds, and black and white sesame seeds.
MAC AND CHEESE BALLS RECIPE BY TASTY
Here's what you need: macaroni, butter, flour, milk, cheddar cheese, red leicester, salt, pepper, eggs, breadcrumb
Provided by Tasty
Categories Appetizers
Yield 25 balls
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Boil water, add macaroni and cook until al dente
- Melt butter in a pan and mix 2 tsp flour into it.
- Add the milk gradually.
- Add both cheeses and cook until melted and the sauce is thick
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add cooked macaroni and thoroughly cover.
- Refrigerate mixture for one hour.
- Take mixture out and form into balls on another plate.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Dip the solid balls in egg wash, then breadcrumbs.
- Fry in hot pan of oil until golden brown on both sides.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 247 calories, Carbohydrate 25 grams, Fat 10 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 12 grams, Sugar 1 gram
BUFFALO CHICKEN CHEESE BALLS
For a high-impact appetizer at your next party, serve Aaron McCargo Jr's Buffalo Chicken Cheese Balls from Big Daddy's House on Food Network.
Provided by Aaron McCargo Jr.
Categories appetizer
Time 30m
Yield 15 to 20 balls
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Have oil heated to 350 degrees F.
- Pick the meat from the chicken and discard the skin. Place the chicken in a large bowl and add the hot sauce, pepper, cheese, and scallions, and toss to combine. Roll the chicken into 2-ounce balls, about the size of a golf ball.
- Place the flour, eggs, and bread crumbs in 3 separate bowls. Roll each ball in the flour, then the egg and then the bread crumbs. Set aside.
- When the oil is hot fry the chicken balls in batches. Cook for about 2 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken to paper towel lined plate to drain the excess oil.
- To make the sauce, combine all ingredients in a large bowl and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the chicken alongside the dipping sauce.
OLIVE CHEESE BALLS
A great olive appetizer that can be made in advance and then quickly thrown in the oven. It is a staple for the holidays and every party.
Provided by Pammy
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Vegetable Olives
Time 1h35m
Yield 36
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Place Cheddar cheese, flour, and butter in a food processor. Blend until cheese is finely ground and a crumbly dough forms.
- Wrap each olive with a piece of the cheesy dough, covering the olive completely. Place olive balls on a cookie sheet and freeze for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Spread frozen olive balls on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned, 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Eat with caution as olives will still be hot.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 67.8 calories, Carbohydrate 3.5 g, Cholesterol 13.4 mg, Fat 5.1 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 2.1 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 139.9 mg
DILLY MINI CHEESE BALLS
??These mini cheese balls are perfect for any gathering, no matter what time of year it is! Kids love the cheesy, salty flavor, and adults appreciate how easy they are to make. -Carole Lanthier, Courtice, Ontario
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Appetizers
Time 15m
Yield 2-1/2 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients. Shape tablespoons of cheese mixture into balls. Roll in walnuts and parsley. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving. Serve with pretzel sticks or crackers.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 56 calories, Fat 5g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 65mg sodium, Carbohydrate 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein.
SPINACH-CHEESE BALLS
Make a veggie-lovers version of our classic and highly-rated Sausage-Cheese Balls appetizer.
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Appetizer
Time 25m
Yield 30
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Heat oven to 400°F. Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix all ingredients, except pasta sauce. Shape mixture into 1-inch balls; place on cookie sheet.
- Bake 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately remove from pan. Serve with pasta sauce.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 45, Carbohydrate 3 g, Cholesterol 10 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, ServingSize 1 Cheese Ball, Sodium 130 mg, Sugar 0 g, TransFat 0 g
PARTY CHEESE BALLS
These tangy cheese balls are guaranteed to spread cheer at your next gathering. The ingredients create a colorful presentation and a savory combination of flavors. -Shirley Hoerman, Nekoosa, Wisconsin
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Appetizers
Time 20m
Yield 2 cheese balls (1-3/4 cups each).
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a large bowl, beat the first 8 ingredients until blended. Cover and refrigerate until easily handled, about 45 minutes. , Shape into 2 balls; roll in parsley and pecans. Cover and refrigerate. Remove from the refrigerator 15 minutes before serving with crackers.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 99 calories, Fat 9g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 25mg cholesterol, Sodium 188mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 4g protein.
FRIED MACARONI AND CHEESE BALLS
This is a recipe from Paula Deen's magazine. Plan ahead, you will need to refrigerate the cheese sauce for 8 hours and the balls freeze for 2 hours. The chilling and freezing time is included in the prep time listed.
Provided by CookingONTheSide
Categories Cheese
Time 10h35m
Yield 5 1/2 dozen, 66 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Lightly grease a 13x9-inch baking dish. In large saucepan, bring water and 1/2 t salt to a boil over high heat. Add pasta, and cook 6-8 minutes, or until tender; drain well.
- In a large bowl, combine hot cooked pasta, 1/2 cup milk, cheese spread, mozzarella cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper; stir until cheeses are melted. Spoon into prepared baking dish; cover, and refrigerate 8 hours.
- Roll macaroni and cheese into 1-inch balls; place on a baking sheet, and freeze 2 hours.
- In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and remaining milk.
- In a separate small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and cornmeal.
- Dip balls into egg mixture, then dredge in breadcrumb mixture.
- In a large Dutch oven, pour oil to a depth of 2 inches; heat to 350 degrees over medium heat.
- Fry macaroni and cheese balls in batches, 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
AIR FRYER MAC AND CHEESE BALLS
These little mac and cheese balls make great little appetizers or finger food. Kids love them!
Provided by Yoly
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Pasta Appetizer Recipes
Time 3h25m
Yield 24
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Pour water into a bowl and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in macaroni pasta from dinner package. Cook until tender, stirring occasionally, 7 to 8 minutes. Drain; do not rinse. Return to the pot and stir in included cheese sauce, milk, and margarine. Add Cheddar cheese and stir until well combined and cheese is melted.
- Refrigerate macaroni and cheese until firm, 2 hours to overnight.
- Scoop macaroni and cheese into 1 1/2-inch balls and place on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Freeze for 1 hour.
- Preheat an air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) according to manufacturer's instructions. Spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray.
- Mix panko, bread crumbs, salt, and garlic powder together in a medium bowl. Dip each ball in beaten eggs and then in panko mixture.
- Place mac and cheese balls into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching; cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook in the preheated air fryer for 6 to 8 minutes. Turn over and fry until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes more.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 87.2 calories, Carbohydrate 9.3 g, Cholesterol 21.4 mg, Fat 4.2 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 3.7 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, Sodium 227.4 mg, Sugar 1.2 g
MINI SPICY BUFFALO CHICKEN BALLS WITH BLUE CHEESE AND HOT SAUCE
These mini chicken meatballs from Daniel Holzman and Michael Chernow of The Meatball Shop get their signature spice from a healthy dose of Frank's RedHot, one of the original hot sauces used to make buffalo wings. Serve for a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next casual gathering.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Appetizers
Yield Makes about 75 mini meatballs
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Evenly coat a large rimmed baking sheet with olive oil and set aside.
- Place butter and hot sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook, whisking, until butter is melted and hot sauce is well incorporated. Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl; let cool to room temperature, about 10 minutes.
- Add chicken, eggs, celery, breadcrumbs, and salt to bowl with butter mixture; using your hands, mix until well combined. Roll chicken mixture into firm, 1-inch round balls and place on prepared baking sheet; arrange the meatballs in rows so that they are touching on all sides. Transfer to oven and bake until cooked through, about 15 minutes.
- Take out of oven and let stand 5 minutes before removing from baking sheet. Place on a serving platter and drizzle with hot sauce; serve with dressing and celery sticks.
SAUSAGE BALLS WITH CREAM CHEESE
Sausage balls with a cream cheese twist!
Provided by My Hot Southern Mess
Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Pork Sausage
Time 30m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix together ground sausage, shredded cheese, flour, and cream cheese in a large bowl until well combined. Form into walnut-sized balls, either with your hands or with a cookie scoop, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the sausage balls are browned and no longer pink inside, about 20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 333.3 calories, Carbohydrate 12.7 g, Cholesterol 70.7 mg, Fat 24.6 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 14.9 g, SaturatedFat 12.6 g, Sodium 790.9 mg, Sugar 0.2 g
HAM CREAM CHEESE BALLS
It seems like I'm always hosting a shower, birthday or other celebration. This spread is fast to fix.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Appetizers
Time 25m
Yield about 5 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, ham, onions and Worcestershire sauce. Shape into 3/4-in. balls. Roll in peanuts. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Serve with crackers and vegetables.
Nutrition Facts :
OLIVE CHEESE BALLS
Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network
Categories appetizer
Time 1h10m
Yield 24 servings
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Lay the olives on a paper towel-lined plate and gently pat them dry.
- Slice a small piece of cream cheese about 1/4 inch thick and place 1 olive in the center of the slice. Wrap the cream cheese around the olive and roll it between your hands so it is completely covered and forms a smooth ball. Repeat until all of the olives are covered in cream cheese.
- Mix the walnuts and parsley in a bowl or shallow dish. Roll each ball in the mixture to completely coat. Refrigerate the coated olives, uncovered, until chilled, at least 1 hour. These can be made a day in advance.
- Slice in half before serving.
HAM AND CHEESE ARANCINI (ITALIAN FRIED RICE BALLS)
Yummy, comforting deep-fried rice balls filled with ham and onion, stuffed with melty, gooey cheese! I came up with these tasty little morsels after having something similar at a tapas restaurant in my hometown. Sadly, that restaurant closed its doors, so I was forced to recreate my favorite dish. *I have made these with havarti and swiss cheeses instead of the cheddar: all are equally good!* NOTE: After reading the review, please note: You definitely want to use rice that is somewhat sticky. Do not use leftover fluffy rice that has had the starch rinsed off as they will not hold together well.
Provided by under12parsecs
Categories Ham
Time 30m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Saute onion in 1 T butter over medium heat until translucent and beginning to brown. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- In a bowl lightly beat 2 eggs. Stir in cooked rice, ham, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, sauteed onion, seasoned salt, garlic salt, parsley and pepper.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Roll into 1-1/2-inch balls.and press a cheese cube into each ball, reshaping around the cheese.(I have used havarti and swiss in place of the cheddar with fantastic results!).
- Place the flour into a small bowl. Whisk 2 eggs in a second small bowl. Place the dry breadcrumbs in a third small bowl.
- Dip each ball into flour, then into the egg and then into the breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil to 375 degrees, then fry rice balls until golden brown (about 4 minutes). You can also shallow fry them in oil, turning to brown.
- Drain on paper towels and enjoy! They are nice dipped in french onion dip, ranch dip or all on their own.
ITALIAN SAUSAGE CHEESE BALLS
This Italian riff on our classic sausage cheese balls satisfies every party-app requirement: quick, easy, delicious and feeds a crowd!
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Appetizer
Time 55m
Yield 96
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 2 rimmed 15x10-inch baking pans with cooking spray.
- In large bowl, stir together Bisquick™ mix, sausage, Italian cheese blend, mozzarella cheese, milk, melted butter, Italian seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon pepper flakes, using hands or spoon. Shape mixture into 1-inch balls. Place 1/2 inch apart on pans.
- Bake 20 to 25 minutes, rotating pans halfway through bake time, until brown. Immediately remove from pan; transfer to serving platter. Sprinkle with basil.
- Meanwhile, in 1 1/2-quart saucepan, heat pasta sauce and remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper flakes to simmering over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 5 minutes to combine flavors, stirring frequently. Serve warm cheese balls with sauce.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 100, Carbohydrate 13 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Fat 1/2, Fiber 2 g, Protein 4 g, SaturatedFat 1 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 380 mg, Sugar 6 g, TransFat 0 g
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your cheese ball will taste. Use fresh herbs, spices, and cheeses that you enjoy.
- Don't overmix the cheese ball: Overmixing will make the cheese ball tough. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined.
- Chill the cheese ball before serving: Chilling the cheese ball will help it to firm up and make it easier to handle.
- Serve the cheese ball with crackers, vegetables, or fruit: Cheese balls are a great appetizer or snack. Serve them with your favorite crackers, vegetables, or fruit.
Conclusion:
Cheese balls are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack. They can be made with a variety of ingredients, so you can find a recipe that everyone will enjoy. With a little planning, you can make a cheese ball that is perfect for any occasion. Looking for more cheese ball recipes? Check out these articles:
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