Cheese Truffles (Mini Cheese Balls) Recipe

Introduction

Cheese truffles, or mini cheese balls, are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for any gathering. Creamy, flavorful, and coated with tasty toppings, they add a touch of elegance to your snack table.

Ingredients

• 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
• 10 oz (300g) goat cheese
• 10 oz (300g) Danish feta
• 1 cup grated cheese (tasty, cheddar, or any other flavorful cheese)
• 1 tbsp sour cream (or approximately 2 tsp of 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 the softened cream cheese, grated cheese, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and salt in a bowl. Mix well until combined and adjust salt to taste.
2. Step 2: Make the feta cheese filling by combining goat cheese, Danish feta, grated cheese, sour cream, and chopped fresh herbs in another bowl. Mix until well blended.
3. Step 3: Measure out 1 tablespoon of filling and use a teaspoon to scoop the filling from the tablespoon onto a tray or cutting board. Repeat with the remaining filling. Once all portions are ready, use your hands to roll each into a small ball. Refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours to firm up.
4. Step 4: Place the coatings (Parmesan cheese, chopped walnuts, chopped dried cranberries) each into small bowls for rolling the cheese balls.
5. Step 5: Roll each chilled cheese ball in the coatings to coat evenly.
6. Step 6: Return the coated cheese balls to the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
7. Step 7: Remove the cheese balls from the fridge about 15 minutes before serving so they become spreadable and reach a nice texture.
8. Step 8: Serve the cheese truffles with crackers or toasted bread pieces for a delicious appetizer.

Tips & Variations

• Try using different fresh herbs such as chives or basil to vary the flavor of the feta cheese filling.
• For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts and substitute with finely chopped roasted sunflower seeds or omit coating nuts altogether.
• If you prefer a milder cheese ball, reduce the amount of garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce in the cream cheese filling.
• Rolling the cheese balls in a mix of finely crushed crackers or spicy paprika can add a fun twist to the coatings.

Storage

Store the cheese truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy, remove them from the fridge 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly for easy spreading. Avoid freezing, as it can affect the texture of the cheeses.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make cheese truffles ahead of time?

Yes, preparing the cheese balls a day in advance is ideal since chilling helps them firm up and develop flavor. Just keep them refrigerated until serving.

What can I serve with cheese truffles?

Cheese truffles pair wonderfully with crackers, toasted bread slices, fresh vegetable sticks, or even cured meats for a tasty appetizer spread.

Cheese Truffles (Mini Cheese Balls) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 112 reviews

These delightful mini cheese truffles, or cheese balls, combine creamy and flavorful cheeses with aromatic herbs and crunchy coatings. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, they offer a rich and savory bite that pairs wonderfully with crackers or toasted bread.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20–24 cheese truffles 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: International
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cream Cheese Filling

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

Feta Cheese Filling

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

Coatings

• 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 the softened cream cheese, grated cheese, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended. Adjust the salt according to your taste.
2. Feta Cheese Filling: In another bowl, mix the goat’s cheese, Danish feta, grated cheese, sour cream (or milk/water), and finely chopped fresh herbs until fully incorporated.
3. Form the Balls: Using a tablespoon, measure out the cheese fillings. Scoop the filling from the tablespoon with a teaspoon and place it onto a tray or cutting board. Once all filling is divided, roll each portion into small balls by hand.
4. Refrigerate: Place the cheese balls in the refrigerator and chill for 3 to 4 hours to firm up.
5. Prepare Coatings: Divide the parmesan cheese, chopped walnuts, and chopped dried cranberries into separate small bowls for coating the truffles.
6. Coat the Cheese Balls: Roll each chilled cheese ball in one or a combination of the prepared coatings to evenly cover the surface.
7. Final Chill: Return the coated cheese truffles to the refrigerator until ready to serve.
8. Serve: Remove the cheese balls from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving to allow them to soften and become spreadable. Serve alongside crackers or toasted bread slices.

Notes

• You can substitute sour cream with milk or water if preferred.
• Feel free to experiment with the herb mixture for different flavors.
• Allow the cheese balls to chill thoroughly to ensure easier handling and optimal texture.
• The coatings can be mixed or used separately depending on your preference.
• Serve the truffles slightly softened for the best spreadable texture.

Keywords: Cheese truffles, cheese balls, appetizer, party snack, cream cheese, feta cheese, herbs, no-bake, festive snack