Serve these Bacon and Smoked Paprika and Walnut Wasabi Mini Cheese Balls at your Red Carpet party (or any party!) and be the star of the show!
Today's #SundaySupper Red Carpet Party event is hosted by Katie from Ruffles & Truffles, and man, is it delicious! Only the best recipes in the categories of appetizers, entrees, desserts, and beverages have made the cut. In my book, these mini cheese balls are a winner every time. Like right now, as I sit here typing and eating one. They are SO GOOD!
I found the basic recipe for the cheese balls several years ago in a copy of Food Network Magazine and have made several different versions at the holidays since, but this time I wanted to lighten them up a bit, so I used reduced fat American Neufchatel, reduced fat cheddar, and uncured smoked bacon, which I discovered only has 5% of a days worth of sodium in 3 slices (or at least the brand I bought does).
There are lots of ways to top the prepared cheese balls, my favorite is bacon and smoked paprika, but you could use finely chopped chives, diced roasted onions, or any kind of finely chopped nut. The hardest part is the wait, they have to chill for 2-4 hours before you can roll them in the topping.
Mini Cheese Balls
Read on after the recipe to see all the rest of the Red Carpet worthy recipes shared today!
Mini Cheese Balls #SundaySupper Red Carpet Party
Ingredients
- 8 ounces reduced fat American Neufchatel ,softened ( found next to the cream cheese in the grocery store)
- 1 cup reduced fat white sharp cheddar cheese ,shredded
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- pinch white ground pepper
- For Bacon and Smoked Paprika Cheese Balls:
- 4 slices uncured applewood smoked bacon ,cooked crisp, drained and crumbled
- 1-2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- For Walnut Wasabi Cheese Balls:
- ¼ cup finely diced walnuts
- ¼ teaspoon wasabi powder (adjust for desired heat)
Instructions
- Combine the cheeses, Worcestershire sauce, lemon zest, and white pepper in a medium bowl, mix well.
- Using clean, damp hands roll into balls about 1-inch. Place on a plate and refrigerate for 2-4 hours ,
- Place desired toppings in a shallow bowl or plate, mix well, and roll the cheese balls in the toppings, pressing as needed. Serve cold.
Notes
Nutrition
Nominees for Best Supporting Appetizers:
- Beef Sliders with Sautéed Mushrooms, Onions, Bleu Cheese and Bacon by Crazy Foodie Stunts
- Black and White Olive Cheese Puffs by Peaceful Cooking
- Cheddar Olives by Jane's Adventures in Dinner
- Chicken Boursin by Recipes Food and Cooking
- Citrus Avocado Shrimp Cocktail by Seduction in the Kitchen
- French Onion Sliders by Momma's Meals
- Herbed Butter and Cheese Popcorn by Kudos Kitchen by Renee
- Italian Guacamole with Pesto by Food Done Light
- Lobster Bruschetta by The Texan New Yorker
- Melon and Prosciutto Skewers by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Moroccan Beef Kefta Briouat by Manu's Menu
- Mushroom Pate by Lifestyle Food Artistry
- Oysters Rockfeller by Noshing With The Nolands
- Pea Pesto Crostini by Ruffles & Truffes
- Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp by Casa de Crews
- Raspberry Brie Bites by Love and Confections
- Roasted Red Pepper Pinwheels by A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Smoked Trout Stuffed Baby New Potatoes by Food Lust People Love
- Spinach Bites by Shockingly Delicious
- Sweet Chili Chicken Skewers by Nosh My Way
Nominees for Best Course in a Leading Role:
- Broccoli Calzones by eating in instead
- Bow Ties and Tails Galore by Cindy's Recipes and Writings
- Chicken Oscar by Palatable Pastime
- Indulgent Lobster-Champagne Risotto by The Weekend Gourmet
- Oscar Worthy Cantonese Lobster with Coconut-Ginger Rice by Confessions of a Culinary Diva
Nominees for Best Supporting Sips:
- Apple Ginger Martini by Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
- Blood Orange Rosemary Spritzer by The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
- Cherry Almond Sparklers by Magnolia Days
- Iced Espresso Martini by Cosmopolitan Cornbread
- Mixed Berry Martini by The Messy Baker
- Oscartini by Family Foodie
- Red Carpet Sparkler by Rhubarb and Honey
- Thank You Peary Much by Sew You Think You Can Cook
Nominees for Best Delectable Desserts:
- 7-Layer Bark by Take A Bite Out of Boca
- Caramel-Almond Latte Ricotta Cookies by What Smells So Good?
- Champagne Truffles by Brunch with Joy
- Chocolate Covered Cherries by Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Decadent Flourless Brownies by Recipe for Perfection
- Edible Oscars Envelopes by Sunday Supper Movement
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Crumble Peanut Butter Mousse Parfait Cups by Wallflour Girl
- Imitation Game Guinness Brownies by NinjaBaker.com
- Mini Strawberry Galette by Basic N Delicious
- Mini Strawberry & Chocolate Cheesecakes by Happy Baking Days
- No-Bake Nutella Cheesecake Shooters by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Popcorn Puppy Chow by Pies and Plots
- Sweet and Salty Popcorn Ball Bites by The Life and Loves of Grumpy's Honeybunch
- Tuxedo Cake by The Redhead Baker
Nominees for Best Dressed Table:
- DIY Glitter Vases by Sunday Supper Movement
Sarah says
Those bacon ones are calling my name!
Bernadette says
Mine too, must make more!!
Renee says
OMG. Every single one those walnut wasabi ones would be mine - all mine!!!
Bernadette says
I don't mind keeping the bacon one's all to myself 😉
Cindys Recipes and Writings says
Great way to spice up cheese balls, Bernadette!
Bernadette says
Thanks Cindy! Glad you like them 🙂
Valerie Cathell Clark says
Did you say cheese??? I'm in! This is my kind of food!
Bernadette says
Yep, cheese and bacon are on the top of my list!
Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
I think the hardest part about these would be making sure I didn't eat them all before they went out on the appetizer table! No. Really!
Bernadette says
I know, I could only eat one before I took the photos and I was dying for them!
Mary Ellen says
Love those bacon ones! A must try for sure.
Bernadette says
They really are my favorite!
Wendy (The Weekend Gourmet) says
We love cheese balls -- and these minis are perfect for popping and enjoying!
Bernadette says
I agree, thanks for visiting!
Tara says
WHAT??? Bacon studded cheese balls, those ones are mine!!
Bernadette says
You'll have to fight me for them! I think you will win, I'm not that strong 🙂
Deanna Samaan says
Mmm these look amazing!!!!
Bernadette says
Thank you Deanna! They are one of my favorite things to make!
Lauren @ Sew You Think You Can Cook says
I love a good cheese ball - never thought to make them bite size. How perfect! Very intriguing flavor combinations too.
Bernadette says
I love them bite size, just pop in your mouth and go 🙂
Wendy, A Day in the Life on the Farm says
Oh my goodness....walnut wasabi cheese ball.....yes please.
Bernadette says
I made them really NOT on the hot side for me, so you really have to play with the amount of wasabi to get what you want, but they are great!
Shelby says
Oh, I definitely would be clamoring for the one covered in bacon!
Bernadette says
I know, they are my favorite!
DB, Foodie Stuntman | Crazy Foodie Stunts says
These cheese balls are very easy to prepare and great for an Oscars party.
Bernadette says
Thanks, DB! Great for an Oscar party, or any party. Or, anytime 🙂
Liz says
Oh, my. What a delicious mini twist on the classic cheese ball! I'd love to pop a half dozen of these in my mouth 🙂
Bernadette says
I did, while I was writing the recipe 🙂
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I love smoked paprika! I bet that is an amazing combo with the bacon and cheese!
Bernadette says
I used to use plain paprika but I thought smoked would give them great flavor. And of course, it would be great with bacon!