Mini Cheese Balls with Chives

Mini Cheese Balls with Chives are a delightful, bite-sized appetizer perfect for parties, gatherings, or casual snacking. These little flavor bombs combine creamy cheese with fresh, aromatic chives, creating a savory treat that’s both elegant and easy to prepare. The cheese balls can be made with a mix of cheeses for depth of flavor and coated with chopped nuts, herbs, or extra chives for texture and visual appeal.

These mini cheese balls are versatile, fun to serve, and always a crowd-pleaser. Their small size makes them perfect for finger foods, cocktail parties, or holiday spreads. They also store well in the refrigerator, allowing you to prepare them ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick, customizable, and so flavorful. Each bite delivers a creamy, cheesy texture with a subtle oniony freshness from the chives. They’re elegant enough to impress guests yet simple enough to whip up in minutes, making them a favorite for entertaining.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s versatile, easy, and always a hit at any gathering. The combination of creamy cheese and fresh chives is irresistible, and their mini size makes them perfect for snacking or serving as part of an appetizer platter.

Recipe Overview

• Course: Appetizer / Snack
• Cuisine: American / Party Food
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 12–16 mini cheese balls
• Calories: Approximately 90 calories per cheese ball

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional coatings: extra chopped chives, crushed nuts, paprika, or sesame seeds

Cooking Directions

Prepare the Cheese Mixture
Combine cheeses, chives, and seasonings in a mixing bowl until smooth.

Form Mini Cheese Balls
Roll mixture into small bite-sized balls.

Coat and Chill
Roll in chosen coating and refrigerate until firm.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 2: Add chopped chives, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Using a small spoon or cookie scoop, portion the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
Step 4: Roll each ball in extra chopped chives, crushed nuts, or other coatings of your choice.
Step 5: Place the mini cheese balls on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up.
Step 7: Serve chilled as a bite-sized appetizer.

How to Serve

Serve Mini Cheese Balls on a platter with crackers, sliced vegetables, or toothpicks for easy picking. They pair wonderfully with wine, cocktails, or as part of a larger appetizer spread.

Recipe Tips

• Ensure cream cheese is softened to make mixing easier.
• Use a cookie scoop for uniform-sized cheese balls.
• Refrigerate before serving to help them hold their shape.
• Experiment with coatings for variety and texture.

Variations

Bacon Cheese Balls
Add crispy bacon bits to the mixture for a smoky flavor.

Herb and Garlic
Mix in parsley, dill, or rosemary for a fresh herbal twist.

Spicy Cheese Balls
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for heat.

Nut-Coated Cheese Balls
Roll in finely chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for crunch.

Vegan Version
Use vegan cream cheese and cheddar alternatives.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration
Store prepared cheese balls in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezing
Freeze uncoated cheese balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or cookie scoop
• Parchment paper
• Knife and cutting board (for chives or coatings)

Conclusion

Mini Cheese Balls with Chives are a simple, elegant, and flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining or casual snacking. Creamy, cheesy, and accented with fresh chives, these bite-sized treats are versatile, customizable, and always a hit with guests. Quick to prepare and easy to serve, they’re a must-try addition to any appetizer repertoire.