Holiday gatherings are even sweeter with little homemade bites that look as festive as they taste. These Mini Christmas Cheese Ball Appetizers are creamy, savory and rolled in crunchy pecans, bacon and fresh parsley, then finished with pretzel stick handles.
They are a charming addition to any Christmas appetizer table and so easy to grab and eat. Building a holiday spread? Pair them with our Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Holiday Skewer Bites.
Why You’ll Make This Again
- Party-friendly size: one-bite cheese balls are easy to serve and eat.
- Big flavor: sharp cheddar, bacon, pecans, garlic and onion in every bite.
- No cooking: just mix, chill, roll and coat.
- Festive look: pretzel handles make them look like tiny ornaments.
- Makes about 20: perfect for a Christmas gathering.
How This Comes Together
You mix cream cheese, cheddar, mayonnaise, onion powder and garlic powder until smooth, then chill the mixture for 15 minutes so it is easy to shape. Roll it into 1-inch balls, coat them in a mix of pecans, bacon and parsley, and add a pretzel stick just before serving.
What You’ll Need
- 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- ¼ cup bacon bits or crumbled cooked bacon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 20 pretzel sticks
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes, plus additional chilling | Serves: about 20 mini cheese balls
Estimated Nutrition: about 130 calories and 3 g protein per cheese ball.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Mix the cheese base
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, onion powder and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and evenly combined.
Step 2: Chill
Cover the mixture and refrigerate for 15 minutes to make it easier to shape.
Step 3: Make the coating
In a shallow dish, combine the chopped pecans, bacon bits and fresh parsley.
Step 4: Roll the balls
Scoop the chilled cheese mixture and roll it into approximately 1-inch balls.
Step 5: Coat
Roll each cheese ball in the pecan, bacon and parsley mixture, gently pressing the coating so it sticks.
Step 6: Arrange
Arrange the coated cheese balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 7: Add the pretzel handles
Insert a pretzel stick into each mini cheese ball just before serving.
Step 8: Keep chilled
Refrigerate until ready to serve. Keep chilled, and avoid leaving the cheese balls at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
How to Serve It
Arrange them on a platter with a few sprigs of parsley or rosemary and some cranberries for a holiday look. They are great next to crackers, fruit and cured meats on a Christmas appetizer board.
Leftovers & Storage
Store the coated cheese balls (without pretzels) covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add pretzel sticks just before serving so they stay crisp. Do not leave them out for more than 2 hours.
Make It Even Better: Pro Tips
- Soften the cream cheese: it mixes smoothly with no lumps.
- Chill first: 15 minutes makes the mixture much easier to roll.
- Press the coating on: a gentle press helps it stick.
- Add pretzels last: they stay crisp and snappy.
- Finely chop the pecans: the coating clings better.
Easy Ways to Change It Up
- Different coatings: try dried cranberries or chopped chives.
- Vegetarian: skip the bacon and use extra pecans.
- Spicy: add a pinch of cayenne to the cheese mixture.
- Different nuts: try walnuts or almonds.
Quick Questions
Can I make them ahead?
Yes. Shape and coat them ahead, then add the pretzel sticks just before serving.
Why won’t my mixture roll?
It probably needs more chilling. Refrigerate a bit longer until firm.
Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, crumbled cooked turkey bacon works well.
How long can they sit out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature.
Can I make one large cheese ball?
Yes, shape the mixture into one ball and roll it in the coating.
A Festive Bite for Every Table
These mini cheese balls are simple, pretty and always the first to disappear. Make a batch for your Christmas gathering this year.
Happy holidays!
— Ava
Mini Christmas Cheese Ball Appetizers
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and evenly combined.
- Cover the mixture and refrigerate for 15 minutes to make it easier to shape.
- In a shallow dish, combine the chopped pecans, bacon bits, and fresh parsley.
- Scoop the chilled cheese mixture and roll it into approximately 1-inch balls.
- Roll each cheese ball in the pecan, bacon, and parsley mixture, gently pressing the coating so it sticks.
- Arrange the coated cheese balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Insert a pretzel stick into each mini cheese ball just before serving.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve. Keep chilled, and avoid leaving the cheese balls at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
