Cheese Truffles (Mini Cheese Balls) Recipe

Introduction

These cheese truffles, or mini cheese balls, are perfect bite-sized appetizers bursting with flavor. Combining creamy cheese fillings and tasty coatings, they are easy to make and impressive to serve at any gathering.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (250g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup grated cheese (tasty, cheddar, or any flavorful cheese)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt to taste
• 10 oz (300g) goats cheese
• 10 oz (300g) Danish feta
• 1 cup grated cheese (tasty, cheddar, or any flavorful cheese)
• 1 tbsp sour cream (or approximately 2 tsp milk or water)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley and dill)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded or grated
• 1/3 cup walnuts, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the cream cheese filling by placing cream cheese, 1 cup grated cheese, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and salt into a bowl. Mix well until combined and adjust the salt to taste.
2. Step 2: Prepare the feta cheese filling by combining goats cheese, Danish feta, 1 cup grated cheese, sour cream, and chopped fresh herbs in another bowl. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
3. Step 3: Measure out 1 tablespoon of each filling. Use a teaspoon to scoop the filling from the tablespoon onto a tray or cutting board. Once all filling is portioned, gently roll each portion into a small ball with your hands.
4. Step 4: Place your coatings—Parmesan cheese, walnuts, dried cranberries, or other options—into small separate bowls ready for rolling.
5. Step 5: Roll each cheese ball in your desired coatings until fully coated.
6. Step 6: Refrigerate the coated cheese balls for 3 to 4 hours to firm up and allow flavors to meld.
7. Step 7: Remove the cheese balls from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly for easy spreading.
8. Step 8: Serve the cheese truffles with crackers or toasted bread pieces for a delicious appetizer.

Tips & Variations

• For a different flavor, try adding chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the cheese fillings.
• Swap the walnuts for pecans or almonds if preferred or to cater to nut allergies.
• Use fresh herbs like chives or basil instead of parsley and dill to suit your taste.
• If you don’t have sour cream, a small amount of plain yogurt can be a good substitute.
• To make these truffles vegan, use plant-based cream cheese and cheese alternatives and omit Worcestershire sauce or use a vegan version.

Storage

Store the cheese truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best flavor and texture, consume within this time. Reheat is not recommended; instead, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to soften.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these cheese truffles in advance?

Yes, they can be made a day or two ahead and refrigerated. Just bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

What can I serve with cheese truffles?

They pair well with crackers, toasted bread, vegetable sticks, or fresh fruit slices, making them versatile for any appetizer platter.

Cheese Truffles (Mini Cheese Balls) Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 147 reviews

Delightful mini Cheese Truffles (Cheese Balls) combining creamy and tangy flavors from cream cheese, goats cheese, Danish feta, and cheddar. These bite-sized appetizers are coated with a savory mix of parmesan, walnuts, dried cranberries, and fresh herbs, making them perfect for entertaining or as a classy snack paired with crackers or toasted bread.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 30 mini cheese balls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: International

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz / 250g cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup grated cheese (tasty, cheddar or any other flavorful cheese)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt to taste

Feta Cheese Filling

• 10 oz / 300g goats cheese
• 10 oz / 300g Danish feta (Note 1)
• 1 cup grated cheese (tasty, cheddar or any other flavorful cheese)
• 1 tbsp sour cream (or approx. 2 tsp milk or water)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh herbs (parsley and dill recommended)

Coating

• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, finely shredded or grated
• 1/3 cup walnuts, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, grated cheese, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Mix well until thoroughly blended. Adjust salt to your preference.
2. Feta Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, blend goats cheese, Danish feta, grated cheese, sour cream, and fresh chopped herbs. Mix until smooth and evenly combined.
3. Forming the Balls: Scoop 1 tablespoon of either filling using a teaspoon to transfer the filling onto a tray or cutting board. Use your hands to gently roll the filling into small balls. Repeat for all the filling. Refrigerate the formed balls for 3 to 4 hours to firm up.
4. Prepare Coatings: Place parmesan cheese, chopped walnuts, and chopped dried cranberries into separate small bowls for rolling the cheese balls.
5. Coat the Cheese Balls: Roll each chilled cheese ball in the coatings of your choice until evenly covered.
6. Refrigerate: Return the coated cheese balls to the fridge until ready to serve, allowing the coatings to set and flavors to meld.
7. Bring to Serving Temperature: About 15 minutes before serving, remove the cheese balls from the fridge so they soften slightly and become spreadable.
8. Serve: Arrange cheese truffles on a platter and serve with crackers or toasted bread pieces for a perfect appetizer experience.

Notes

• Note 1: Danish feta is saltier and tangier than regular feta, adding a unique flavor dimension.
• You can substitute the fresh herbs with other favorites like chives or basil for different flavor profiles.
• For a nut-free option, omit walnuts and substitute coating with extra parmesan and dried cranberries.
• Make these cheese balls a day ahead to let the flavors develop further.
• Keep refrigerated until about 15 minutes before serving for optimal spreadability.

Keywords: Cheese balls, cheese truffles, appetizer, party snack, no cook cheese appetizer, cream cheese, feta cheese, goats cheese, savory bites