Description
These delicious bite-sized appetizers combine the rich flavors of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon for a perfect low-carb snack. Coated with crunchy pecans, they’re ideal for parties or gatherings!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chives, garlic powder, and black pepper. Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened to room temperature for easier mixing and to avoid lumps in your cheese balls.
- Mix thoroughly: Mix until all ingredients are well blended, ensuring the mixture is smooth. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to incorporate all ingredients evenly for consistent flavor throughout each cheese ball.
- Form cheese balls: Using your hands, form the cheese mixture into small, bite-sized balls about 1-inch in diameter. If the mixture is too sticky, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes first to make it easier to handle and shape.
- Coat with pecans: Roll each ball in the finely chopped pecans to coat them evenly. Press gently to ensure the nuts adhere well to the surface of the cheese balls for a nice crunchy exterior.
- Chill: Place the coated cheese balls on a plate or tray. Refrigerate the cheese balls for at least an hour before serving to allow them to firm up and for the flavors to fully develop.
Notes
- For best results, prepare these mini cheese balls a day ahead to allow flavors to meld completely.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- These can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- For a festive touch, you can add finely chopped dried cranberries to the coating mixture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 mini cheese balls
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg