If you're looking for the perfect party appetizer that’s fun, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, these Mini Savory Cheeseballs are about to become your new go-to recipe.
These bite-sized treats pack all the creamy goodness of a traditional cheeseball but with a festive twist—three unique flavor coatings that make every bite different and delicious.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, planning a bridal or baby shower, or just need something quick to take to a potluck, these mini cheeseballs look stunning on a platter and come together in minutes.
Let’s dive into how to make them and the three topping variations that take them from simple to spectacular.
Why You’ll Love These Mini Savory Cheeseballs
- They’re easy to make ahead, saving you time during busy hosting days.
- Perfect for holiday charcuterie boards or appetizer tables.
- Customizable with your favorite flavors and add-ins.
- Cute, portable, and mess-free—guests can grab one and go!
Mini Savory Cheeseballs take less than 20 minutes to prepare and look so darn festive -- especially for the holiday season. Another great recipe for the holiday season is these Jalapeno Cream Cheese Bacon Bites.
How to Make Easy Mini Savory Cheeseballs
You start by putting your spices together to roll your cheese balls in.
Topping Variations for Mini Savory Cheeseballs
These three distinct coatings turn one simple cheese mixture into a trio of delicious mini cheeseballs:
1. Fresh Herb Coating
A bright, flavorful option with:
- Chopped parsley
- Chopped Rosemary
- Chopped Thyme
- Fresh Garlic, minced
2. Walnut & Cranberry Coating
A festive, slightly sweet, and crunchy version:
- Finely chopped walnuts
- Finely chopped dried cranberries
3. Garlic, Sesame & Poppy Seed Coating
Bold and savory—like everything bagel vibes without the onion:
- Minced fresh garlic
- Sesame seeds
- Poppy seeds
Take the two blocks of cream cheese and cut them into 6-8 cubes. Roll them to create balls. In order to roll them into a smooth ball, let the block come to room temperature for a bit before getting started, so that it is easy to roll.
Now, roll each ball into whichever mixture you want. We did all three because we wanted to try all the different versions of the mini savory cheeseballs.
Refrigerate the cheeseballs for at least 1 hour to help them firm up.
Right before serving, insert a pretzel stick into each cheeseball. This makes them easy to pick up and adds a fun edible handle!
Tips & Variations
- Serve with crackers, veggies, or crostini if you want more variety.
- Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds if preferred.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the base mixture for heat.
- Make them ahead—these store beautifully for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These mini cheeseballs look impressive on a holiday board—especially with the colorful cranberry topping—but they’re also perfect for New Year’s Eve, game day, or any casual get-together. Guests love the variety, and you’ll love how quick and fuss-free they are to put together.
Check out these other delicious appetizers as well!
- Whipped Feta Dip
- Blackberry Basil Balsamic Brie with Sweetened Pecans
- 3 ingredient bbq meatballs
- Sausage balls
Prepping for New Years Parties
- Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers from Blogghetti
- Champagne Jello Shots from Fresh April Flours
- Confetti Champagne Cocktail from Our Good Life
- Crispy Parmesan Tortellini Bites from Cheese Curd In Paradise
- Deviled Potatoes from The Spiffy Cookie
- Grilled Party Kabobs from The Freshman Cook
- Hanky Panky from Palatable Pastime
- lil-smokies-pigs-in-a-blanket from Devour Dinner
- Mango Avocado Shrimp Cocktails from That Recipe
- Moonshine Margarita from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Pesto Crescent Spirals from Magical Ingredients
- Pizza Pigs In A Blanket from Making Miracles
- Sorbet Champagne Cocktail from Art of Natural Living
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Kraft Mini Savory Cheeseballs
These mini cheeseballs are perfect for your next get-together. Easy to make and full of amazing flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 packages of cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seed
- 1 teaspoon of poppy seeds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary
- ¼ cup finely chopped dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons of finely chopped Pecans
Instructions
- Cut each block of cream cheese into 6 pieces; roll each into a ball.
- Combine the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and half the garlic in a small bowl.
- Mix the herbs and remaining garlic in a separate small bowl.
- Combine the cranberries and nuts in the third bowl.
- Roll 4 cheese balls in the sesame seed mixture, 4 cheese balls in the herb mixture, and the remaining cheese balls in the nut mixture.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 78Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 45mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 1g
Those are an awesome app idea. I bet they would be the first thing to go at a party 🙂
Everything about this is fantastic! I can't say no to cheese in any form, but I'm especially excited to give these a try.
The only thing about these that sounds better than their taste is how easy they are to make. I need to make some of these ASAP.
These cheeseballs look amazing! I love a good savory appetizer idea!
These cheeseballs look amazing! I love a good savory appetizer idea for the holidays.
Yum! What a perfect appetizer for a Christmas or NYE party. I'll have to try these for New Years Eve.
This looks so good. I love that it takes less than twenty minutes to make.
OK there was a whole lot easier than I would expect! That is going to be something I am going to make at the next party I have.
I recently tried these out too, the other half couldn't put them down! I love how they are the perfect portions for entertaining!
Such a neat idea and I just bought a bunch of Philadelphia cream cheese... I may need to whip some of these up! 🙂
Looks messy to make, but so worth it. There is no limit to the number of toppings you could put on them!
I love serving a good cheese ball. These all look yummy.
These look so good. I've never really tried different cheese balls, but these look like ones I'd like to enjoy with some good crackers!
I just made a delectable batch of Savory Mini Cheese Balls too! Oh my goodness!! Absolutely delicious! My favorite are the cranberry pecan variety. My husband loved them all. Merry Christmas!!!
Cheeseballs make great appetizers for any occasion! I have never thought to make a mini version, though. I love that idea! These look great.
Yum! We love making cheeseball appetizers. The one with dried cranberries and chopped pecans sounds extra delicious.
I love cheese balls!! Love how easy it is to make different flavor combinations of these for parties.
yummy That looks so so good. I'll have to make it sometime.
I have always wanted to try making my own cheese balls. These look delicious and easy to make. I will have to try them for the holidays.
These look so good i have to try making them. I have been looking for something extra to seve for the holidays.
Oh wow, these flavors sound great. I'd love making a few different kinds of cheeseballs like that.
I love making my own cheese balls. They are so much fresher and tastier than store bought ones. I love your herb mixture, I'm seriously going to have to try that!
I have never made cheeseballs like this before. They look REALLY good. Love the extra seasonings.
These look super delicious! I love cheese balls but these look great and I'm sure taste great too.
We're having a pot luck at work. I was thinking of making a big cheese ball, but I like this idea of making smaller ones.
Now to figure out what else to take. 🙂
That sounds awesome. Glad I could help!