🧀🥓 Bacon Cheddar Mini Cheese Balls
Perfect for parties, snacks, or game day — crispy on the outside, cheesy and flavorful inside.
🛒 Ingredients (Makes ~20–25 mini balls)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup cooked bacon, finely chopped
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
- 2 tbsp green onions, chopped (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten (for coating)
- Oil for frying (or use oven-bake method)
🥣 Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Cheese Ball Mixture
- In a bowl, mix cheddar, cream cheese, chopped bacon, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Chill 15–20 minutes if mixture is too soft to handle.
2️⃣ Shape Balls
- Scoop 1–1½ tbsp of mixture and roll into small balls (~1 inch).
3️⃣ Coat
- Dip each ball in beaten egg, then roll in breadcrumbs for a crispy exterior.
4️⃣ Cook Options
Frying:
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry balls 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels.
Oven-Bake:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place balls on parchment-lined sheet and bake 12–15 minutes until golden.
5️⃣ Serve
- Serve warm with ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo.
🔥 Flavor Variations
Extra Cheesy
- Add mozzarella for stringy interior.
Spicy Kick
- Mix in ½ tsp cayenne or finely chopped jalapeños.
Herby
- Add parsley, chives, or smoked paprika.
Mini Slider Version
- Place baked cheese balls on small buns with lettuce and tomato for bite-sized sandwiches.
If you want, I can also give you:
- A make-ahead freezer version
- A crispiest air fryer version
- A 3-ingredient ultra-simple version
Do you want these more crispy fried or oven-baked healthier?
