Mini Pimento Cheese Balls
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Adorable, easy, and oh-so-tasty – introducing Mini Pimento Cheese Balls! Elevate your snack game with these bite-sized delights that are perfect for any gathering!
Welcome to my cozy little corner of the internet. I’m beyond thrilled to share these Mini Pimento Cheese Balls with you. This appetizer recipe is easy, fun, and boy, is it absolutely scrumptious!
I love a good cheeseball recipe around here. In fact, I have a blog post dedicated to all of my favorite cheese ball recipes. There’s a cheese ball shaped like a pumpkin, a Christmas tree-shaped cheese ball, a dessert cheese ball, and so many more!
In the past, I have created some mini pumpkin-shaped cheese balls that are beyond cute. However, I wanted a recipe that could be used any time of the year. When I saw these in Southern Living Magazine, I knew I had to give them a try!
These adorable, bite-sized wonders are made with love, loaded with flavor, and served with a dash of playfulness that’ll leave everyone smiling. This recipe will be a hit at your next gathering. I know you’re going to love them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- I’ve crafted this recipe to be super easy, so you can whip up these delightful treats without breaking a sweat. No complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen – just a few simple steps, and you’ll have a platter filled with cheesy goodness ready to impress your guests.
- These mini cheese balls are the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and zesty all rolled into one delightful package. The combination of smooth cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and the tangy kick of diced pimento is delightful.
- These cuties are the epitome of charm and will instantly elevate the presentation of any party table. Whether it’s a family get-together, a casual potluck, or a fancier soirée, these mini cheese balls will steal the show.
Ingredients
To create these adorable pimento cheese balls, you’ll need a handful of flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show, sharp cheddar brings that irresistibly bold cheese flavor that makes these cheese balls a crowd favorite. I typically reach for Cracker Barrel and shred it myself.
- Cream Cheese: Adding a creamy texture and rich taste, cream cheese binds all the flavors together perfectly.
- Diced Pimentos: These add a sweet and tangy pop of color that not only looks great but tastes amazing too!
- Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch to spice things up and add a gentle kick that will tickle your taste buds.
- Black Pepper: A classic seasoning, black pepper brings a subtle warmth and depth to the cheese balls.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making sure every bite is as delicious as the last.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a hint of garlic, rounding out the flavor profile with its earthy tones.
- Finely Chopped Pecans: These bring a delightful crunch and nutty texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese.
- Fresh Chives: Sprinkle in some chives for a mild onion-like flavor and a dash of fresh green color.
- Wheat Thins: Perfect for serving, these crackers provide a satisfying crunch and are just the right size for topping each cheese ball. (Or you can use any cracker you love best. Just keep the size comparable to the cheese ball for a nice visual balance.)
How To Make
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to put this pimento cheese ball recipe together. You can find the step-by-step instructions below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- In a large bowl add the sharp cheddar cheese and cream cheese. Use a hand blender and mix until combined.
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- Add in the diced pimentos, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and garlic powder. Mix again to combine. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for one hour.
- In a shallow bowl add the chopped pecans and chives. Mix to combine.
- Using a two-inch cookie scoop, scoop out a ball of cheese. Roll it in your hand to shape it into a round ball. Then roll the ball in the pecan chive mixture to evenly coat. Transfer to a serving platter.
- Repeat with the remaining cheese mixture.
- Insert a small square cracker (I like Wheat Thins) into the top of each cheese ball. Serve with additional crackers.
And that’s it! Your cheese balls are ready to served and enjoyed.
Recipe Variations
If you’re looking to put your own unique spin on these Mini Pimento Cheese Balls I have a few substitutions and additions you may want to try.
- Bacon Lovers’ Delight: Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the cheese mixture before rolling the balls. The combination of bacon and pimento will create a flavor explosion that your guests won’t be able to resist!
- Zesty Jalapeño Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, finely dice some pickled jalapeños and incorporate them into the cheese mixture.
- Herb-Infused Elegance: Elevate the flavors with fresh herbs like dill, basil, or parsley. Finely chop the herbs and mix them into the pecan and chive coating.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Twist: Replace the diced pimentos with chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of intense, sweet-tart flavor.
- Everything Bagel Inspiration: Take inspiration from the popular everything bagel cheese ball. Roll the mini cheese balls in a mixture of everything bagel seasoning. It’s so good! (Or just make my everything bagel cheese ball.)
- Sweet and Spicy Fusion: Introduce a hint of sweetness by mixing a tablespoon of honey into the cheese mixture. Balance the sweetness with a dash of chili flakes for that perfect sweet and spicy combo.
- Go Nutty: Experiment with different nuts for the coating. Try crushed pistachios, almonds, or even a mix of nuts for added texture and flavor.
The possibilities are endless, so be adventurous, and try out different combinations to create something you love.
And there you have it, my friends, Mini Pimento Cheese Balls – another appetizer recipe that’s easy, fun, and oh-so-beautiful. From their adorably tiny appearance to the burst of flavors with every bite, these cheese balls are sure to be the star of your next gathering.
More Easy Appetizers You’ll Love
- Broccolini Salad
- Radicchio and Blue Cheese Bread Salad
- Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad
- Creamed Cucumber Salad
- BLT Macaroni Salad
In conclusion, these pimento cheese balls are a crowd favorite – simple to make, delightful to eat, and served with a sprinkle of fun! I know you’re going to love them! If you do, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.
Want more from Inspired by Charm? Follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my processes. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest!
Mini Pimento Cheese Balls
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 jar (4 ounces)diced pimentos
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- ¼ cup chopped fresh chives
- 36 small square crackers for serving (Wheat Thins)
Instructions
- In a large bowl add the sharp cheddar cheese and cream cheese. Use a hand blender and mix until combined.
- Add in the diced pimentos, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and garlic powder. Mix again to combine. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for one hour.
- In a shallow bowl add the chopped pecans and chives. Mix to combine.
- Using a two-inch cookie scoop, scoop out a ball of cheese. Roll it in your hand to shape it into a round ball. Roll the ball in the pecan chive mixture to evenly coat. Transfer to a serving platter.
- Repeat with the remaining cheese mixture.
- Insert a small square cracker (I like Wheat Thins) into the top of each cheese ball. Serve with additional crackers.
Can you freeze them before hand
This appetizer recipe was easy and delicious. I used the mini Triskets to top the balls with. The cayenne was a perfect touch too! I made the cheese balls the day before, held them covered in the fridge then rolled them in the chives and pecans before serving.
Wondering can I do this the day before ?
You might want to wait to roll them in the nuts and add the cracker before you’re ready to serve.
xo Michael
I am definitely making this for a friend’s birthday party. I am assuming the recipe makes approximately 36 since it calls for that many wheat thins. I also would like to know how they hold up if you do that morning and add the crackers at the last minute.Thanks!!!
Made them for a party and they were the first things to go….delicious!
Well, I served these cheese balls
for a gathering with girlfriends!!
All excellent cooks. All of them said was excellent and wanted recipe👍👍👍. Will definitely do again 👍
I did drain pimento!! Can make night before. EXCELLENT MICHAEL
Michael,
I love this idea. I make homemade pimento cheese all the time and this little appetizer with the Wheat Thin cracker is just a great idea for an appetizer or snack for playing cards, serving at a tea party, etc.
Thanks so much for inspiring us cooks/hostesses!
Barbara
Michael, do you think this is something that could be made ahead? I’m wondering if the nuts get too soggy if the balls are made ahead of time (like earlier in the day or the day before) or if you think it would be okay? Then I could just arrange and add the Wheat Thins at the time of serving.
I can’t wait to make these! I’m always looking for cute and fun treats. P.S. more than a few of your recipes have made it to my table!