Of course! These Carb Bacon Cheddar Mini Cheese Balls are a fantastic, low-carb twist on the classic party appetizer. They are packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and perfect for anyone following a keto or gluten-free lifestyle.
The “carb” in the name likely refers to them being low-carb or keto-friendly, using ingredients like almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
Keto Bacon Cheddar Mini Cheese Balls
These are single-serving bites, so there’s no need for a big cheese ball and a spreading knife. They’re ready to grab and go!
Yield: About 20-24 mini cheese balls
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour (highly recommended)
Ingredients:
For the Cheese Ball Base:
· 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
· 2 cups (8 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
· ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6-8 strips)
· ¼ cup finely chopped green onions (green and white parts)
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· ½ teaspoon onion powder
· ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
· Black pepper to taste
· (Optional) 1-2 tablespoons mayonnaise or sour cream for extra creaminess
For the Coating:
· ½ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
· ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
· 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
· OR ½ cup more crumbled bacon and chopped chives for rolling
Instructions:
- Cook and Prepare Ingredients
· Cook the bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels, let cool, and then crumble it finely. Set aside.
· Shred the cheddar cheese from a block (pre-shredded cheese doesn’t blend as well).
· Finely chop the green onions, nuts, and parsley. Keep the coatings separate in small, shallow bowls or plates.
- Make the Cheese Mixture
· In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, half of the crumbled bacon, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
· Using a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula, beat everything together until it is very well combined and smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Chill the Mixture
· Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30-60 minutes. This is a crucial step as it makes the mixture much firmer and easier to roll into neat balls.
- Roll and Coat
· Using a small cookie scoop or a teaspoon, portion out the mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls between your palms.
· Roll each ball in your chosen coating(s), pressing gently to make sure it adheres. You can roll them in just one coating or create a variety.
· Classic: Roll in the chopped pecans and parsley mixture.
· Bacon Lover’s: Roll in the reserved crumbled bacon and extra chives.
· Everything Style: Roll in everything bagel seasoning.
- Set and Serve
· Place the finished mini cheese balls on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
· For the best flavor and texture, cover and refrigerate them for at least another 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the balls to firm up perfectly.
· Serve chilled. They pair wonderfully with low-carb dippers like cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, pork rinds, or simply on their own.
Key Tips for Success:
· Softened Cream Cheese: This is non-negotiable. If the cream cheese is cold, you’ll have lumpy cheese balls and it will be very difficult to mix.
· Chill Before Rolling: The mixture will be very soft and sticky right after mixing. Chilling it makes the process clean and easy.
· Get Creative with Coatings: Other great low-carb coating ideas include:
· Crushed pork rinds
· Finely shredded coconut (for a surprising twist)
· Chopped almonds
· Chili powder mixed with a little cocoa powder for a “mole” style bite.
· Make-Ahead: These are the perfect make-ahead appetizer. You can prepare them completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
· Double the Recipe: This recipe is easy to double for a crowd!
Enjoy your delicious, low-carb, and incredibly flavorful party bites