Bacon Cheddar Mini Cheese Balls

Bacon Cheddar Mini Cheese Balls 🧀🥓

A quick party snack made with creamy cheese, cheddar, and crispy bacon.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup cooked bacon, finely crumbled
• 2 tablespoons sour cream or mayonnaise (optional, for creaminess)
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of salt (optional)
• ½ cup chopped pecans, almonds, or extra bacon bits for coating (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the bacon
   • Cook bacon until crispy.
   • Let it cool, then crumble into small pieces.
2. Make the cheese mixture
   • In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar, sour cream/mayo, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and green onions.
   • Stir in half of the bacon pieces.
3. Chill
   • Cover and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes so the mixture becomes easier to shape.
4. Form mini cheese balls
   • Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture.
   • Roll into small balls.
5. Coat
   • Roll each ball in chopped nuts, extra bacon bits, or cheddar crumbs.
6. Serve
   • Chill until ready to eat.
   • Serve with crackers, pretzels, vegetables, or toasted bread.

Storage:

• Keep refrigerated in an airtight container.
• Best eaten within 3–4 days.

Tip: Add a little smoked paprika or hot sauce for a smoky/spicy version.