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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers

    February 22, 2015

    Mini Cheese Balls #SundaySupper Red Carpet Party

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    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!

    Bacon and Smoked Paprika and Walnut Wasabi Mini Cheeseballs

     

    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).

    Mini Cheese Balls

     

    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

    Mini Cheese Balls

    Read on after the recipe to see all the rest of the Red Carpet worthy recipes shared today!

    Print Recipe
    5 from 2 votes

    Mini Cheese Balls #SundaySupper Red Carpet Party

    Delicious, lower fat, Mini Cheese Balls make a great appetizer for your next party.
    Prep Time4 hrs
    Total Time4 hrs
    Course: Appetiser
    Servings: 26
    Calories: 61kcal
    Author: Bernadette

    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

    Adapted from Food Network Magazine Mini Cheese Balls

    Nutrition

    Calories: 61kcal | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 80mg | Potassium: 32mg | Vitamin A: 155IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 0.1mg

     

    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
    « Pan Seared Pork Chops with Onion Gravy
    Baked Penne Pasta »
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sarah says

      February 28, 2015 at 5:38 pm

      Those bacon ones are calling my name!

      Reply
      • Bernadette says

        March 01, 2015 at 5:41 pm

        Mine too, must make more!!

        Reply
    2. Renee says

      February 27, 2015 at 6:35 pm

      OMG. Every single one those walnut wasabi ones would be mine - all mine!!!

      Reply
      • Bernadette says

        March 01, 2015 at 5:42 pm

        I don't mind keeping the bacon one's all to myself 😉

        Reply
    3. Cindys Recipes and Writings says

      February 26, 2015 at 5:50 am

      Great way to spice up cheese balls, Bernadette!

      Reply
      • Bernadette says

        February 26, 2015 at 10:00 am

        Thanks Cindy! Glad you like them 🙂

        Reply
    4. Valerie Cathell Clark says

      February 22, 2015 at 6:35 pm

      5 stars
      Did you say cheese??? I'm in! This is my kind of food!

      Reply
      • Bernadette says

        February 25, 2015 at 9:11 am

        Yep, cheese and bacon are on the top of my list!

        Reply
    5. Renee - Kudos Kitchen says

      February 22, 2015 at 4:52 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Bernadette says

        February 25, 2015 at 9:12 am

        I know, I could only eat one before I took the photos and I was dying for them!

        Reply
    6. Mary Ellen says

      February 22, 2015 at 1:46 pm

      Love those bacon ones! A must try for sure.

      Reply
      • Bernadette says

        February 25, 2015 at 9:14 am

        They really are my favorite!

        Reply
    7. Wendy (The Weekend Gourmet) says

      February 22, 2015 at 1:27 pm

      We love cheese balls -- and these minis are perfect for popping and enjoying!

      Reply
      • Bernadette says

        February 25, 2015 at 9:10 am

        I agree, thanks for visiting!

        Reply
    8. Tara says

      February 22, 2015 at 12:41 pm

      5 stars
      WHAT??? Bacon studded cheese balls, those ones are mine!!

      Reply
      • Bernadette says

        February 22, 2015 at 5:01 pm

        You'll have to fight me for them! I think you will win, I'm not that strong 🙂

        Reply
    9. Deanna Samaan says

      February 22, 2015 at 11:10 am

      Mmm these look amazing!!!!

      Reply
      • Bernadette says

        February 22, 2015 at 11:38 am

        Thank you Deanna! They are one of my favorite things to make!

        Reply
    10. Lauren @ Sew You Think You Can Cook says

      February 22, 2015 at 10:45 am

      I love a good cheese ball - never thought to make them bite size. How perfect! Very intriguing flavor combinations too.

      Reply
      • Bernadette says

        February 22, 2015 at 11:37 am

        I love them bite size, just pop in your mouth and go 🙂

        Reply
    11. Wendy, A Day in the Life on the Farm says

      February 22, 2015 at 10:45 am

      Oh my goodness....walnut wasabi cheese ball.....yes please.

      Reply
      • Bernadette says

        February 22, 2015 at 11:36 am

        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!

        Reply
    12. Shelby says

      February 22, 2015 at 10:37 am

      Oh, I definitely would be clamoring for the one covered in bacon!

      Reply
      • Bernadette says

        February 22, 2015 at 11:33 am

        I know, they are my favorite!

        Reply
    13. DB, Foodie Stuntman | Crazy Foodie Stunts says

      February 22, 2015 at 7:47 am

      These cheese balls are very easy to prepare and great for an Oscars party.

      Reply
      • Bernadette says

        February 22, 2015 at 11:29 am

        Thanks, DB! Great for an Oscar party, or any party. Or, anytime 🙂

        Reply
    14. Liz says

      February 22, 2015 at 7:02 am

      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 🙂

      Reply
      • Bernadette says

        February 22, 2015 at 11:28 am

        I did, while I was writing the recipe 🙂

        Reply
    15. Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says

      February 22, 2015 at 6:48 am

      I love smoked paprika! I bet that is an amazing combo with the bacon and cheese!

      Reply
      • Bernadette says

        February 22, 2015 at 11:28 am

        I used to use plain paprika but I thought smoked would give them great flavor. And of course, it would be great with bacon!

        Reply

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